In response to longstanding concerns over irregularities in international adoptions, the Swedish government commissioned a comprehensive investigation in October 2021. The resulting report, titled ‘Sveriges internationella adoptionsverksamhet – lärdomar och vägen framåt’ (SOU 2025:61), was published on 2 June 2025. This extensive inquiry reveals systemic issues in Sweden’s international adoption processes and proposes significant reforms to address past injustices and safeguard future practices.
Background and Purpose
The commission was established following unanimous support in the Swedish Parliament, prompted by reports of unethical and illegal practices in international adoptions involving Swedish entities. The investigation aimed to:
Clarify the extent of irregularities in Sweden’s international adoption activities.
Analyze the legal frameworks, organizational structures, and responsibilities of involved actors.
Assess the need for adoption-specific support services.
Propose measures to strengthen children’s rights and legal protections in future international adoptions.
Key Findings
The commission uncovered that, over several decades, numerous international adoptions to Sweden were marred by illegal and unethical practices. In some instances, Swedish actors were aware of these irregularities at the time; in others, awareness emerged only years later. These findings underscore a systemic failure to protect the rights and welfare of adopted children and their families.
Principal Recommendations
To rectify past wrongs and prevent future abuses, the commission recommends:
Issuing a formal public apology to adoptees and their families.
Establishing a national resource center dedicated to providing adoption-specific support.
Offering financial assistance to adoptees wishing to visit their countries of origin.
Gradually phasing out the practice of facilitating international adoptions to Sweden.
Permitting cross-border adoptions only when a personal relationship exists between the prospective adoptive parent and the child, with the state assuming greater responsibility to ensure the child’s best interests and legal safeguards are upheld.
Government Response
Social Services Minister Camilla Waltersson Grönvall acknowledged the gravity of the commission’s findings, stating:
“Today, we have gained further clarity that children and parents have suffered and been harmed within the framework of international adoption practices over decades. These revelations understandably evoke strong emotions. The government takes the commission’s presentation very seriously, and we will now carefully analyze their conclusions and proposals to make well-considered decisions moving forward.”
The government has initiated a referral process, inviting feedback from relevant authorities, organizations, municipalities, and the public. Responses are due by 6 October 2025.
Next Steps
The publication of SOU 2025:61 marks a pivotal moment in Sweden’s reckoning with its international adoption history. The forthcoming months will be critical as stakeholders deliberate on the commission’s recommendations, shaping the future of adoption practices in Sweden.
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