Seven newborn deaths linked to planned home births in Finland

Seven newborns have died in Finland in connection with planned home births between 2020 and 2025, according to the latest statistics from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).

In six of the cases, the infant was stillborn or died immediately after birth, THL research professor Mika Gissler told Yle. In one case, the newborn died within a week of delivery.

Five of the deaths occurred between 2023 and 2025. In two of these, the infant died in the womb before labour began. In two others, the child was stillborn, but the exact time of death is unknown.

THL does not have data on whether healthcare professionals were present in all cases. At least four of the cases are under investigation by the Finnish Licensing and Supervision Authority (LVV), which only examines incidents where a healthcare professional was involved.

In spring 2025, Yle reported that several newborns had died in home births in the Uusimaa region. At the time, Central Finland police confirmed they were investigating one case where a newborn died during a home birth, with a criminal report filed for causing death. Police stated that the preliminary investigation would be completed by autumn.

The number of home births in Finland has continued to rise rapidly, according to THL. Preliminary data for 2025 shows 169 home births, up from just over 150 in 2023 and 2024.

Gissler noted that the increase is surprising, given the critical public discussion surrounding the deaths. He added that there may also be unreported fatalities linked to unassisted home births, where no midwife is present. Official guidance from the Ministry and welfare regions states that the safest place to give birth is in a hospital, and home births are not recommended.