Karen Dokken appeals ruling on baby swapping case in Oslo

Karen Rafteseth Dokken, aged 78, is appealing a court ruling that ordered her to cover legal costs after she sued the state and local authorities due to a baby swapping incident. This case dates back to 1965 when she mistakenly took home the wrong baby from the hospital, a situation she only learned about in 2021. Both the state and the municipality were cleared of liability in the previous ruling.

Legal scholar Mads Andenæs from the University of Oslo criticized the Oslo District Court’s conclusion, asserting that the baby swapping incident constitutes a violation of human rights. He disputed the court’s claim that the case is barred by the statute of limitations, advocating that both the affected individuals and their parents are entitled to compensation and a declarative judgment.

In a related case in England involving a similar baby swapping error in 1967, the British National Health Service has acknowledged responsibility and is currently negotiating compensation with the families involved.

Karen’s emotional recount during a recent court session highlighted her struggle with the ruling that dismissed the state’s liability. Her attorney, Sølvi Nyvoll Tangen, expressed concerns over the ruling’s legal foundations and confirmed their belief in the potential success of the appeal.

This historical case has significant implications, as it raises questions about the state’s accountability for past wrongdoings and the rights of affected individuals seeking justice and redress for their suffering.