Meri-Lapin babies now mostly born in neighbouring region

Most babies from the Meri-Lapi region are now born in Oulu, in the neighbouring region of North Ostrobothnia, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The closure of the maternity ward in Kemi at the end of 2024 has led to a shift, with 111 of Meri-Lapi’s babies—about 60%—born in Oulu University Hospital (OYS) in the first half of this year. In the same period, 79 were born in Rovaniemi’s Lapland Central Hospital. Last year, 55% of Meri-Lapi’s babies were born in Rovaniemi and 45% in Oulu.

Hilkka Nikkinen, head physician of OYS’s maternity ward, suggests shorter travel distances, better roads, and new facilities as key factors in the choice. The new hospital has improved family-centred care, though family rooms cannot be guaranteed for all.

Lapland’s wellbeing services county (Lapha) has made deliveries free in Rovaniemi to attract expectant parents, saving families around €220–250 compared to Oulu, where only standard daily care fees apply. However, Lapha must pay the full cost—several thousand euros—for each Lapland baby born in Oulu.

Katja Hämeenoja, head physician of Lapland Central Hospital’s obstetrics and gynaecology, notes that proximity to support networks in Oulu often influences decisions, especially for families with older children.

Last year, Lapland Central Hospital recorded 1,083 births, the first time in years the number exceeded 1,000. This year, 511 babies have been born there so far. OYS, which handled nearly 3,400 births last year, is already 300 ahead of 2025’s pace but says current resources suffice.

Meri-Lapi includes the municipalities of Kemi, Tornio, Keminmaa, Simo, and Tervola, many of which are closer to Oulu than Rovaniemi.