Yes, surrogacy is legal in Finland, but only under strict altruistic conditions. Commercial surrogacy is prohibited, and the surrogate mother must be genetically related to the child. Finnish law prioritizes the welfare of the child and the surrogate, with oversight from the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira).
Key Regulations for Surrogacy in Finland
- Altruistic-only framework: Surrogacy agreements must be uncompensated, with only reasonable expenses reimbursed. Monetary compensation beyond costs is criminalized under the Act on Assisted Fertility Treatments (1237/2006).
- Genetic linkage requirement: The surrogate must be the child’s biological mother. This aligns with Finland’s prohibition on embryo transfer to unrelated surrogates under the Act on the Status and Rights of the Child (7/2013).
- Judicial pre-approval: The Finnish District Court must validate the surrogacy arrangement before conception, ensuring compliance with child welfare standards. Post-birth, a court order transfers parental rights to the intended parents.
Recent amendments (effective 2026) expand Valvira’s oversight to include mandatory psychological evaluations for all parties, addressing concerns raised by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) regarding surrogate exploitation risks. Intended parents must also demonstrate residency in Finland for at least two years prior to application.