Our History

“I dream of the day when every new born child is welcome, when men and women are equal, and when sexuality is an expression of intimacy, joy and tenderness.”

The words are those of Elise Ottesen-Jensen, known as Ottar, who in the 1920s created a considerable stir when she traveled around Sweden giving talks on matters related to sex and sexuality. At that time, there was a ban on providing information about contraception, abortions were illegal and so was homosexuality. According to Ottar, the provision of information and education was the only path towards a change in the law.

In 1933 Ottar, together with a number of radical medical doctors and trade union representatives, determined to start a association for sex education in Sweden (RFSU). Ottar’s view on sexuality education became a model for Swedish schools.

At the outset RFSU’s work encountered strong opposition, but it led – as time went by – to the setting up of counseling centers, the abolition of the law on contraception, and the legalization of abortion and homosexuality.

RFSU has contributed to greater openness on sexual issues, and many of the demands made by the organization have later resulted in changes to legislation. Now, there is a major demand for the results of the Swedish experience in other parts of the world.

Some political milestones to which RFSU has contributed

• 1934 Establishment of Sweden’s first sexual and reproductive health clinic, providing services and counseling to youth as well as adults.
• 1938 Abolition of the ban on the provision of information on contraception.
• 1944 Decriminalization of homosexuality.
• 1952 Permission given for condoms to be sold at barbers’ shops, pharmacies, and stores with special permits.
• 1955 Introduction of compulsory sex education in schools.
• 1964 Permission given for the pill to be used as a means of contraception.
• 1970 Permission for contraceptives to be sold without a special permit.
• 1975 Passing of legislation permitting abortion on demand up to Week 18.
• 1978 Same age limit (15) introduced for legal homosexual and heterosexual intercourse.
• 1982 Physical abuse of women encompassed by public prosecution.
• 1989 Parental leave provisions extended to include both mother and father.
• 1991 First sexual and reproductive health clinic for young men opened by RFSU.
• 1995 Introduction of entitlement for homosexual couples to register their partnership legally.
• 1999 Criminalization of purchasers of commercial sex (users of prostitutes).
• 2002 The Swedish Parliament votes yes to the right for gay and lesbians to be tried for approval for adoption.