Finnish presenter Ellen Jokikunnas advocates for adoption after long wait for child

The international adoption process can be a long and stressful journey, often taking many years. Finnish presenter and media personality Ellen Jokikunnas and her partner, Jari Rask, have been waiting to adopt a child for seven years. Their readiness as parents has been evaluated by numerous individuals, including doctors and psychologists, requiring various assessments from authorities. “At times, it has felt unreasonable,” Jokikunnas stated.

The organization Save the Children recently announced it will cease international adoptions after the end of the year, citing a declining interest in adopting children from abroad.

Jokikunnas has a history of involuntary infertility, beginning her fertility investigations at the age of 26. She discovered that her fallopian tubes were blocked, possibly due to a congenital condition or damage from childhood surgery. Together with Rask, she started IVF treatments soon after they began dating at 34. “It’s a good way to test the relationship; I recommend it to everyone,” she quipped.

Despite nearly seven years of fertility treatments, Jokikunnas could not conceive. Eventually, she decided to stop the treatments. “I felt a huge sense of relief. It would have been nice if someone had suggested this earlier.”

Jokikunnas publicly revealed her struggles with infertility only after starting the adoption process, receiving messages of support and understanding. “I wondered why I hadn’t talked about it sooner.”

Awaiting their child for six years, Jokikunnas and Rask were finally informed last February that a child would soon be placed with them, although they are still waiting for the travel invitation. As time passes, the child is now eight years old, and Jokikunnas describes her feelings as hopeful, even contemplating the possibility of remaining childless. “I feel compassion for those facing this, while also guilt that we might succeed after 14 years.”