Yes, home births are legal in Sweden under strict conditions, governed by the Swedish Social Services Act and Health and Medical Services Act. The National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) permits home births only when attended by certified midwives, with mandatory reporting to regional authorities. Recent 2026 amendments require midwives to document risks and secure parental consent for out-of-hospital deliveries.
Key Regulations for Home Births in Sweden
- Certified Midwife Requirement: Home births must be attended by a midwife registered with the Swedish Association of Midwives (Svenska Barnmorskeförbundet), ensuring adherence to clinical guidelines.
- Mandatory Risk Assessment: Midwives must conduct pre-birth evaluations, excluding high-risk pregnancies (e.g., breech presentation or preeclampsia) from eligibility.
- Regional Notification: Births must be reported to the local county council (region), which tracks outcomes and compliance with the Health and Medical Services Act (Hälso- och sjukvårdslagen).