It is the second Christmas in a row that BB in Lycksele closes due to staff shortages.

Region Västerbotten estimates that there are 15 women inland who will give birth during the two weeks that BB is closed.

- We simply have a shortage of midwives.

It is not possible to get hold of anyone who wants to work during Christmas and New Year, says Brita Winsa, director of health and medical care.

"Let it be as it will be"

Emilia Ronnhed (V) is a municipal politician and sits on the council in Storuman.

She is due to give birth on December 17.

Two days later, BB in Lycksele closes for two weeks.

Emilia may then be forced to travel 23 miles to Umeå to give birth.

It is roughly the same distance as if a pregnant woman in Stockholm were to give birth in Falun.

- It will be as it will be, says Emilia Ronnhed.

See the map that shows the reality for pregnant women in sparsely populated areas:

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See the map that shows the reality for pregnant women in sparsely populated areas Photo: SVT Grafik/David Joles/Star Tribune via AP