OTTAWA – A Canadian medical regulator has formally revoked the licence of a retired fertility doctor who used his own sperm to inseminate patients.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario called Norman Barwin’s actions “beyond reprehensible.”
The regulator launched an investigation into allegations against him in 2016.
The claims against the physician date as far back as the 1970s and include patients from at least two fertility clinics in Ontario.
Speaking for the regulatory body’s disciplinary panel in Toronto on Tuesday, Dr. Steven Bodley said it was “unfortunate” the only sanction they had the power to impose was to revoke Dr. Barwin’s licence and issue a scathing public reprimand and a fine.
“You betrayed [the trust of your patients] and by your actions deeply affected individuals and their families and caused irreparable damage that will span generations,” he said.
Now 80 years old, Dr. Barwin did not appear before the disciplinary panel and was represented by a lawyer. He has not practiced since 2014. (BBC)
