Debunking the Myth of Birth and Death in Svalbard
- RetiredCormac
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
A popular myth about the archipelago of Svalbard is that it is illegal for individuals to be born or to die there. This misconception not only grabs one's attention, but also highlights the uniqueness of life in such a remote location.
TL;DR
In this post, I'll clarify this myth (because it is sort of true) and explore the relevant realities of living in Svalbard.
The Myth: Is It Illegal to Be Born in Svalbard?
It isn't illegal, but expectant mothers are transferred to the Norwegian mainland a few weeks before the baby is due, as Svalbard does not have the suitable medical facilities.
The Myth: Is It Illegal to Die Svalbard?
It isn't illegal. When someone passes away unexpectedly, the remains are generally sent to the mainland for burial. Ashes can sometimes be buried locally with permission.
Individuals nearing end-of-life or with serious illness are sent to mainland Norway for treatment. Few people actually pass away in Svalbard.
The Hospital
According to their website, Longyearbyen Hospital as of 2023 had 22 full-time employees, of which four are doctors and six are specialist nurses. There are also physiotherapists/manual therapists, public health nurses, midwives and a dentist at the hospital. The optician is present twice a year.
The hospital has six beds, including one intensive care bed with ventilator facilities and one bed for isolation in case of infectious disease.
The hospital only hospitalises patients in case of acute incidents/emergency care.
The hospital has round-the-clock emergency preparedness with an on-call team consisting of a doctor, nurse anaesthetist and surgical nurse.
Permafrost
Burials are not permitted because the permafrost prevents bodies from decomposing safely. This policy was adopted after researchers found bodies from the 1918 flu epidemic had neither decayed nor neutralised the pathogens.
Final Thoughts
The belief that it is illegal to be born or die in Svalbard is wrong. While the realities of childbirth and death here are unusual due to logistical challenges, they are not prohibited.
Whether you are planning your next travel destination or just curious about Svalbard's unique life and culture, this extraordinary place is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Happy travels!
It's not quite like that though. It is not illegal in the sense that you can get prosecuted, but you can and will be sent down against your will if you're in a condition that predicts either child birth or death or any other health condition that the hospital can't treat. It's not a choice or option to stay here and therefore more than just a transfer.