sijaissynnyttäjäksi

Sijaissynnyttäjäksi refers to the Finnish term for a surrogate mother. This is a woman who carries and gives birth to a child for another person or couple who are unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy themselves. The arrangement is typically made through legal agreements that define the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved, including the surrogate mother, the intended parents, and potentially the child.

Surrogacy can be divided into two main types: traditional and gestational. In traditional surrogacy, the surrogate mother's own egg is used, making her the biological mother of the child. In gestational surrogacy, the egg is from the intended mother or an egg donor, and the embryo is created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The surrogate mother then carries this embryo. Gestational surrogacy is more common today as it avoids the genetic link between the surrogate and the child.

The legal framework surrounding surrogacy varies significantly by country and even by region. In Finland, where the term "sijaissynnyttäjäksi" originates, surrogacy is not explicitly regulated by law, and it is generally not permitted for commercial gain. This means that while private arrangements might occur, they are not legally recognized or enforced in the same way as in countries with established surrogacy laws. This often leads Finnish individuals seeking surrogacy to look abroad. The ethical considerations of surrogacy, including the well-being of the child, the surrogate mother's autonomy, and the potential for exploitation, are subjects of ongoing debate.