title: Experience of in vitro fertilization surrogacy in Finland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In vitro fertilization (IVF) surrogacy makes it possible for women who do not have a functional uterus to have their own genetic offspring. We describe here our experience of IVF surrogacy in Finland over a 10-year period.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study included 17 women who underwent ovarian stimulation in connection with surrogacy in 1991-2001 at four clinics. The surrogate mothers were unpaid volunteers: six sisters, three mothers, one husband's sister, one cousin, four friends and three other volunteers. Thorough counseling was given to the commissioning couples and to the surrogate mothers and their partners. The commissioning couples were prepared to adopt their biological children.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight surrogate IVF cycles were started in 17 women. One couple received donated oocytes. Trans-vaginal oocyte retrieval was feasible in every case, including those five women with congenital absence of the vagina and uterus. An average of 1.8 embryos was transferred at a time, and 11 pregnancies were achieved [50% per fresh embryo transfer (ET) and 16% per frozen-thawed ET]. Nine healthy singletons and one set of twins were born. One pregnancy ended in miscarriage. The mean birth weight of singleton infants was 3498 g (2270-4650 g). The birth weights of the twins were 2900 and 2400 g. In all cases the genetic parents took care of the infant immediately after birth. Two surrogate mothers had postpartum depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Altruistic IVF surrogacy works well, but careful counseling of all parties involved is essential.
authors.affiliation: The Family Federation of Finland, Infertility Clinic, Helsinki. viveca.soderstrom-anttila@vaestoliitto.fi
authors.forename: Viveca
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Söderström-Anttila
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Blomqvist
authors.forename: Tuija
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Foudila
authors.forename: Maritta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hippeläinen
authors.forename: Henri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kurunmäki
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Siegberg
authors.forename: Maija
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tulppala
authors.forename: Merja
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tuomi-Nikula
authors.forename: Sirpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vilska
authors.forename: Outi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hovatta
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013533:Gestational Carriers; D014427:Twins