Confidentiality for under 16s challenged in High Court
This week, a mother challenged Department of Health guidelines on confidentiality at a judicial review in the High Court. The DoH guidelines state that girls under 16 years can receive advice on contraception and have a termination without their parents' knowledge.
Anne Weyman, chief executive of the fpa (Family Planning Association),
says that if confidentiality is removed it will deter teenagers from
seeking advice on sexual health. “This case seeks to compel health
professionals to inform the parents of anyone aged under 16 that they
have been approached by that young person for advice, information or
treatment about any sexual health matter, not just abortion,” she
said.
Lynsey Balmer, head of professional ethics at the Royal Pharmaceutical
Society, commented: “Existing guidance about confidentiality in
the Society’s Code of Ethics and Standards says that ‘information
about services provided to adolescents should not normally be disclosed
to their parents’. It details some exceptional circumstances, for
example, to prevent serious injury or damage to the health of a patient.
The Society is looking to develop further guidance relating to under
16s, sexual health and confidentiality.”
Ms Weyman highlights that current Government guidance already makes it
clear that health professionals should encourage young people to involve
their parents or ask if they may inform them on their behalf.
The case was due to be heard from 8–10 November; a date has not
been set for the judgment. |
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