Finland: Number of Sterilizations, by year
YearNumber of sterilizations
20222,919
20214,136
20203,815
20194,505
20184,558
20174,437
20164,952
20154,989
20144,386
20134,347
20124,534
20114,441
20103,954
20093,874
20084,433
20074,731
20065,299
20056,928
20047,271
20037,550
20028,322
20019,029
200010,472
199910,838
199811,517
199713,193
199614,371
199511,313
199411,524
199311,554
199212,739
199113,294
199013,457
  • Region: Finland
  • Time period: 1990 to 2022
  • Published: Jun 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Apr 13, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Decline in the Number of Sterilizations Over Time

The data indicates a significant downward trend in the number of sterilizations in Finland, with a drastic decrease from 13,457 procedures in 1990 to 2,919 procedures by 2022. This decline highlights a shift in either demographic trends, healthcare policies, or societal attitudes towards family planning and sterilization over the span of 32 years.

Peak of Sterilization Procedures in the Mid-1990s

Sterilization procedures in Finland reached their peak in the mid-1990s, with the highest number recorded in 1996 at 14,371 procedures. This peak represents the most active period for sterilizations, possibly influenced by specific healthcare policies or societal norms prevalent during that time.

The 21st Century Marked by Steady Declines

The onset of the 21st century has been marked by steady declines in sterilization numbers, from 10,472 in 2000 to 2,919 in 2022. This trend underscores changing attitudes or advances in alternative contraceptive methods over two decades.

Record Highs and Lows Highlight Shifts

Comparing the record high in 1996 with 14,371 sterilizations to the record low in 2022 with only 2,919 reveals a significant societal shift in Finland regarding the choice of sterilization as a form of family planning, indicating a decrease of over 79% in annual procedures.

Recent Years Show Continued Decrease

The last five years have seen a continued decrease in sterilization numbers, from 4,558 in 2018 down to 2,919 in 2022, illustrating an ongoing shift in preferences or availability of alternative reproductive health services. This recent trend could reflect advancements in reproductive health technology or changes in population demographics.

Significant Decrease Since the Early 2000s

The data from the early 2000s to 2022 shows a dramatic reduction in the number of sterilizations, from 9,029 in 2001 to 2,919 in 2022. This decrease of over 67% could be attributed to a variety of factors, including improved access to alternative forms of contraception and shifts in societal attitudes towards sterilization.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the peak period for sterilizations in Finland?

The peak for sterilizations in Finland was in 1996 with 14,371 procedures performed.

What has been the trend in sterilization procedures since the start of the 21st century?

Sterilizations in Finland have steadily decreased from 10,472 in 2000 to 2,919 in 2022.

What does the comparison between the record high and low of sterilizations in Finland indicate?

The comparison reveals a significant societal shift, marking a decrease of over 79% in sterilizations from 14,371 in 1996 to 2,919 in 2022.

Terms and Definitions

Sterilization is a permanent method of birth control that prevents pregnancy. It can be conducted on both males (vasectomy) and females (tubal ligation or hysterectomy). Sterilization is usually voluntary, but there have been historical events involving forced or coerced sterilizations.

A vasectomy is a type of male sterilization procedure. It involves cutting, sealing or otherwise blocking the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm, which prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation.

Tubal ligation, also known as 'having one's tubes tied,' is a form of female sterilization. This surgical procedure involves closing off the fallopian tubes to prevent eggs from reaching the uterus for fertilization.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It can serve as a form of sterilization but is typically conducted for medical reasons, like cancer or severe endometriosis. A woman cannot become pregnant after a hysterectomy.

Voluntary sterilization is when an individual chooses to undergo a sterilization procedure with informed consent. This choice is often made due to personal, health, or lifestyle factors, and it is seen as an effective form of long-term birth control.

Forced sterilization refers to when someone is sterilized without their informed consent or under duress. These procedures have been conducted as a form of population control, eugenics, and discrimination in history.

Coerced sterilization is a form of sterilization where an individual is pressured, manipulated, or deceived into agreeing to the procedure, rather than making an independent, informed decision.

Reproductive rights pertain to an individual's right to control their reproductive health and decisions. This includes the decision to have children, to access fertility treatments, to control family size through contraception or sterilization, and to have access to safe and legal abortion.