Under-16s confidentiality upheld
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Confidentiality will be respected |
Department of Health guidance on confidentiality for under-16-year-olds seeking advice on contraception and abortion is “fully in line with the law”, the DoH said this week. The statement came after a mother who challenged
the guidelines at a judicial review in the High Court (PJ, 12 November 2005, p596) lost her case.
Caroline Flint, public health minister, said: “I understand this
is a difficult issue, which is why, while recognising the high value
young people place on confidentiality, our guidance makes it clear that
health care professionals should always try to persuade a young person
to involve their parents.”
She added: “The guidance also stresses that confidentiality is
not absolute. Where a health professional believes that there is a risk
to the health, safety or welfare of a young person which is so serious
as to outweigh the young person’s right to privacy, the case should
be referred through local child protection procedures for appropriate
action to be taken.”
Anne Weyman, chief executive of the fpa, commented: “Confidentiality
is the single most important factor in a young person’s decision
to visit a health service. Compulsory parental notification of their
visit would have been a disaster, leading to young people staying away
from services and risking unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted
infections. We are relieved those under-16s who need advice can be sure
that their confidentiality will be respected.”
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