A lawsuit filed by a Connecticut woman and her mother against a New Haven fertility doctor has brought to light startling allegations of misconduct dating back to the 1980s. Janine Pierson, the plaintiff in the case, discovered through a DNA test that the doctor allegedly used his own sperm for insemination procedures performed on her mother.
Pierson, who grew up believing she was an only child conceived with her father’s sperm, was shocked to discover through a 23andme DNA test that she had 19 half-siblings. The number has since increased to 22. This revelation prompted Pierson to delve deeper into her family history, ultimately leading to the discovery of the alleged misconduct.
The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Burton Caldwell, the fertility doctor in question, falsely represented the source of the sperm used for the insemination procedures. Pierson and her mother claim that Caldwell informed them the sperm came from a Yale medical student with limited offspring, a statement they now allege was deceptive.
Pierson described the emotional turmoil she experienced upon learning the truth, particularly the difficult conversation she had with her mother. The lawsuit highlights the lack of consent from Pierson’s mother regarding the use of the doctor’s sperm, emphasizing the violation of trust and autonomy in the fertility process.
Angela Mattie, a professor at Quinnipiac University, characterized such cases as “egregious” and “unethical,” noting the absence of specific laws addressing fertility fraud. She emphasized the potential ramifications of such actions, including inadvertent consanguinity and complex familial relationships.
Pierson recounted a disturbing encounter with Caldwell, during which he purportedly admitted to using his sperm for insemination procedures. Caldwell, who ceased practicing in 2004 and is now in his mid-80s, declined to comment on the allegations when approached by Nexstar’s WTNH.
