In Finland, efforts to prevent childbirth injuries are renowned, yet some women find it challenging when they suffer from injuries that do not heal. The newly released documentary 'Förlossningsskadad' from Swedish Yle explores why a growing number of Finnish women are seeking assistance in Sweden for childbirth-related injuries. According to Sara Silvennoinen, a reporter with Yle, the evolution of care for these injuries in Sweden has significantly progressed, fueled by women who have bravely spoken out about their experiences. This transparency has led to increased public funding directed toward research and training in this medical field.

A particularly notable difference highlighted in the documentary is Sweden's establishment of a registry for childbirth injuries, a resource that Finland currently lacks. This difference underscores the challenges Finnish women face when seeking treatment at home. Furthermore, both Finnish and Swedish gynecologists interviewed in the documentary indicate that in Sweden, women's symptoms are taken seriously, whereas in Finland, there is often a greater emphasis on clinical findings alone, which can lead to women's experiences being minimized. Many women report feeling unheard or that their symptoms are downplayed.

The push for proper acknowledgment and treatment of childbirth injuries could lead to significant implications for maternal health care policies in both countries. While Sweden may offer a stronger system of care, this situation triggers a dialogue about the need for reform and better recognition of women’s health issues in Finland. The interviews conducted for the documentary illustrate a growing awareness and concern over maternal care and highlight a necessary shift towards listening to and addressing women’s reported experiences regarding childbirth injuries, leading to improved outcomes for mothers and their children.