Yle seeks childbirth experiences as Finland’s maternity hospitals decline

Yle is collecting accounts from people who have given birth and maternity care staff as it examines the decline in the number of maternity hospitals and its effects on families, healthcare and society.

Finland had 41 hospitals and health centres providing maternity care at the turn of the millennium. By 2025, the number of hospitals had fallen to 25, Yle reports. Resources have also decreased significantly in recent decades.

Capacity and day-to-day care can vary depending on where a birth takes place. In the Helsinki metropolitan area, where most births are concentrated, expectant parents may worry about whether there will be room for them and whether enough care will be available. Outside large population centres, the distance to the nearest maternity hospital may be a concern.

Yle welcomes both recent and older experiences. Responses will help build background information and an overall picture of the changes. Yle says it will not use responses in a way that identifies contributors without contacting them first. Some respondents may be approached for an interview.

The information will be used only for journalistic purposes and will not be shared with outside parties. Responses will be deleted after use. People can answer through Yle’s questionnaire or contact journalist Inkeri Alatalo at [email protected].