Baby swapping case in Herøy from 1965 gains attention at Oslo District Court
The baby swapping case that occurred in a hospital in Herøy in 1965 has garnered significant attention both in Norway and internationally. The incident, which came to light in 2022, has been a topic of discussion within the local community, particularly as new details emerged about two babies involved in the mix-up.
This week, the case was the focus of legal proceedings at Oslo District Court. Attorney Sølvi Nyvoll Tangen emphasized during her arguments that the case revolves around the right of parents to take home their biological children from the hospital. She highlighted the irreversible damage this situation has inflicted on family bonds and relationships. Tangen represents 78-year-old Karen Rafteseth Dokken, the mother of one of the babies involved.
In 2022, Bergen District Court identified the biological parents of one of the swapped babies. A woman named Mona recounted her upbringing and the feeling of being different from her family. The revelation was shocking for the community of Herøy, where the swapping took place. Local director Trond Aglen testified about the case’s profound impact on the town and mentioned that the municipality had publicly urged anyone with information to come forward, acknowledging the community’s anxiety about the possibility of more swapped infants.
The mix-up might have remained undiscovered had it not been for a blood test in 1983, which indicated that an 18-year-old girl could not be the biological child of her parents. Following this, secret investigations confirmed the swapping but did not inform the families involved. A representative for one of the affected individuals is now seeking compensation of up to 20 million kroner, citing the emotional burden and identity struggles that ensued from this grave injustice.
Testimonies have also included insights from the former municipal doctor, who admitted to limited memory of the events and expressed that the municipality acted according to their understanding at the time.