Statements and opinions 2016
ETENE´s statement on the treatment of intersex children 4 April 2016
Intersex is a condition where features of a person defining gender are ambigous. The definition of intersex varies internationally, and for that reason its incidence varies in different studies. Intersex is caused by many, mostly genetic reasons.
ETENE took this topic into its discussion in autumn 2015 and asked intersex people (representatives of intersukupuolisuus.fi -web society) to join the discussion. DDS Tuula Wahlman-Calderara wrote a background report about intersex. The position statement of ETENE is based on this report. In its position statement ETENE state that gender is a part of the person, a continuity consisting of different genetic, developmental, hormonal, physiological, psychological, social and cultural features. A person may feel to be also other than solely a man or a woman, a boy or a girl.
While sex and gender ar a part of personality of a human being, it should be determined by a person him/herself, not an authority. In its position statement ETENE suggests that surgical interventions that modify gender would be postponed until a child or an adolescent can consent by him/herself.
ETENE also stated that neutral and diverse information is needed for parents, day care, school and health care professionals, and others that take care of the welfare and safety of intersex children, so that they can grow and develop in our society without unnecessary pain and suffering.
ETENE suggests further also wider societal discussion about ID that contains in it determination of the sex of a person. The ID is used in many situations where the determination of the sex of the person may be even harmful.
Background report (in Finnish)
ETENEn statement on experimental care 4.4.2016
Experiment care is patient care that has not been approved as part of the usual care pactice, and its effects have not been sufficiently investigated. ETENE took this issue to scrutiny it further according to its action plan. After listening to experts in this field it gave a position statement. In this statement ETENE proposes that a notification procedure for experimental care should be introduced for use in Finland. The receiver authority of the notification could oblige the care provider to report the effects of the treatment to the patients and thus follow patients and their symptoms during the experimental treatment. The national authority may also suggest the care provider to do research for further investigate the effects of the treatment. ETENE emphasizes the use of written or at least documented informed consent in the experimental care, so that one can evaluate how patients have been informed about the experimental nature of their care.
ETENE´s statement on experimental care
Background report (in Finnish)
Opinion on mandibular denture attached by implants 8.2.2016
PALKO asked ETENE its views on its draft recommendation on mandibular dentures attached by implants. ETENE discussed this issue in its meeting on January 28, 2016. ETENE found that although this measure seems have an effect on the health of patients and it is cost-efficient, ETENE took a wider view on this issue. ETENE stated that it is problematic that device such as dentures and implants used in dental care are paid solely by patients independent on if the care is provided by public or private provider. Toothlessness causes not only social problems also health risks, because toothless jaws cannot bite food and thus diet will become poorer.
ETENE suggested wider societal discussion on the status of oral health care and treatment of oral diseases in Finnish health care system.