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PALKO Finland 2020 — Finnish policy change
In June 2020 the Finnish Council for Choices in Health Care (PALKO/COHERE) published a recommendation on medical treatment of gender dysphoria in minors.
PALKO report
In June 2020 the Finnish Council for Choices in Health Care (PALKO/COHERE) published a recommendation on medical treatment of gender dysphoria in minors. The recommendation stressed that psychosocial support is the first-line option, and that hormonal treatment should take place only in specific cases and within research.
Rationale
The report held that the evidence for long-term benefits of puberty blockade and cross-sex hormones in young people is limited. It also points to the changed patient population — a strong increase in adolescent girls presenting at a later age.
Influence
Finland was the first Western country to choose this cautious course. The report has influenced Swedish, Norwegian and British policy revisions.
Sources
PALKO/COHERE Finland (2020). Recommendation of the Council for Choices in Health Care in Finland: Medical treatments for dysphoria associated with variations in gender identity in minors. English translation (SEGM)
Cass, H. (2024). Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People: Final Report. cass.independent-review.uk