According to newly published figures from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), seven infants have died during planned home births in the years 2020-2025.

THL's research professor Mika Gissler explained that in six of those cases, the infant was stillborn or died immediately after being born.

In the remaining case, the infant died within a week of birth.

"These are, of course, sad cases," Gissler said.

Five of the seven fatalities took place from 2023 to 2025.

Although all of the fatal incidents involved planned home births, THL said it does not have information on whether healthcare professionals were present.

According to Gissler, the Finnish Supervisory Agency has investigated at least four of the cases. The agency only examines such incidents when a healthcare professional was present at the time of the birth.

Home births on the rise

THL's recent statistics show that the number of home births has continued to grow rapidly.

According to preliminary data for 2025, the agency recorded 169 home births.

In 2023 and 2024 the numbers were lower, at just over 150.

Gissler called the trend surprising, given the media reports and public discussion regarding home birth fatalities.

"But apparently there's still a desire for planned home births," he said.

It is possible, according to Gissler, that home births without midwives being present may also be linked to the deaths. But THL does not receive accurate statistical information about them.

"The official position, which comes from the ministry and wellbeing services counties, is of course that the safest place to give birth is in a hospital and that home births are not recommended," Gissler said.