Simpukka ry investigates surrogacy options for Finnish parents

The Childless Association, Simpukka ry, is investigating how many Finnish people have successfully become parents through surrogacy. A current online survey aims to reach individuals who have undergone the surrogacy process or are considering it as a solution to infertility. According to Piia Savio, the executive director of Simpukka ry, there is a common belief in Finland that surrogacy only affects a small group of people, but many aspiring parents actually need this option for family creation.

“This concerns individuals for whom surrogacy may be the only way to have a child, including those who are without a uterus or have lost theirs due to illness,” Savio explains. She also highlights the situations of male couples and individuals who have experienced multiple miscarriages.

Health conditions or various illnesses can prevent individuals from carrying a child themselves. Savio shares poignant stories, such as instances where embryos were created before cancer treatments, with parents unable to carry them to term.

In some situations, the surrogate may already be known, for instance, a sister could be a potential surrogate. However, Finnish law currently prohibits such arrangements and restricts the transfer of gametes outside the country.

Surrogacy treatments were banned in Finland in 2007 under the Fertility Treatment Act. Simpukka ry has long advocated for the legalization of non-commercial surrogacy in Finland. The Ministry of Justice published a report in Spring 2023 on allowing non-commercial surrogacy, which received widespread support from 48 expert organizations.

As it stands, Finnish individuals often travel abroad for surrogacy, with Simpukka usually receiving about twenty inquiries annually. The survey will remain open until September 10 on Simpukka ry’s website, aiming to gather information on how many have had children through surrogacy and the challenges they faced.