Two sisters allege in a lawsuit that their mother's fertility doctor secretly used his own sperm during artificial insemination procedures in the mid-1980s, leading to their births and a profound identity crisis. Tasheena Greaves, 41, of North Dakota, and Janae Nelson Raymond, 40, of Utah, long believed their father was Warren Nelson, but a DNA test revealed a different biological father.
According to the lawsuit filed in North Dakota, their mother, Jean Ann Nelson, 81, sought fertility treatment from Dr. Dennis Lutz. She underwent artificial insemination three times, with Lutz reportedly mixing donor sperm with her husband's sample to increase the chances of conception. While her first pregnancy resulted in a miscarriage, she later carried two full-term pregnancies.
Greaves was born in February 1985, and Raymond in May 1986. The lawsuit claims that Lutz intentionally substituted his own genetic material during the insemination process and incorrectly assured Jean Ann that any child conceived would likely be her husband's biological offspring. This assurance, the suit states, was what prompted her to agree to artificial insemination.
The complaint alleges that Jean Ann Nelson did not consent to the use of Lutz's sperm and that his actions constituted deliberate deception and an abuse of medical authority, representing a significant breach of trust in the physician-patient relationship.
The truth emerged decades later through a DNA test, which the sisters claim caused significant distress and an identity crisis. Their attorney stated that the family is coming forward to address patient consent, reproductive autonomy, medical trust, and the right of individuals to know their genetic history.
Dr. Lutz, who is the Gynecology Chair at the University of North Dakota, has responded to the lawsuit. He acknowledged using his sperm but maintained that his procedures adhered to the fertility medicine standards of the time. He stated that Jean Ann Nelson had consented to an anonymous donor and had indicated she would not seek the donor's identity. Lutz also asserted that he did not act with the intent to deceive.
In response to the allegations, the University of North Dakota has removed Lutz from his position as chair and indicated plans to terminate his employment. The family is seeking a jury trial and damages of at least $50,000, while Lutz has requested the court dismiss the claim.