Sweden’s parliament has ushered in a groundbreaking law that makes it easier for people to align their legal gender with their identity. From now on, all individuals need is a medical certificate confirming their gender identity no longer matches what’s on their birth certificate—and they can apply directly to authorities.
One of the biggest changes is the drop in the minimum age: applicants can now start the process at 16, with parental or guardian consent. Previously, the threshold was 18, leaving thousands of young people waiting.
In just one week since the law took effect, Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare recorded 106 applications for legal gender changes—an early sign of pent-up demand.
Twenty-two-year-old Jenny Leonor Werner, who was declared male at birth but identifies as female, described the reform as “one less thing to worry about.” After a four-year diagnosis process for gender dysphoria, she can finally update her ID without months of evaluations.
The amendment also unties medical procedures from legal status: you no longer have to wait to change your legal gender before accessing surgery or hormone therapy. That’s a major relief for many who faced prolonged waits—some still waiting years just for an initial evaluation.
Between 2008 and 2018, Sweden saw a 1,500% rise in gender dysphoria cases among 13- to 17-year-olds assigned female at birth. In response, authorities paused hormone treatment for minors in 2022, citing the need for caution, and limited certain surgeries.
Frank Berglund, a policy expert at the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education, called the law “a major step forward,” highlighting its potential to cut healthcare waiting lists and reduce unnecessary hurdles.
Sweden first legalized gender change in 1972, becoming a pioneer. Campaigners now hope the next step will be removing the medical certificate requirement, joining other Nordic countries that have already done so.
As countries across Europe and beyond re-examine policies on gender identity and youth rights, Sweden’s reform could serve as a blueprint for simplifying legal processes while ensuring medical safeguards—balancing personal autonomy with healthcare scrutiny.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
