Table 7.

Guidance from UK Department of Health^*

A doctor or other health professional providing contraceptive advice or treatment to someone aged under 16 without parental consent should be satisfied that:

• The young person will understand the advice and the moral, social, and emotional implications

• The young person cannot be persuaded to tell their parents or allow the doctor to tell them that they are seeking contraceptive advice

• The young person is having, or is likely to have, unprotected sex whether they receive the advice or not

• The young person's physical or mental health is likely to deteriorate unless they receive the advice or treatment

• It is in the young person's best interests to give contraceptive advice or treatment without parental consent

^*Adapted from Department of Health. Best practice guidelines for doctors and other health professionals on the provision of advice and treatment to young people under 16 on contraception, sexual and reproductive health. 2004. www.dh.gov.uk (search for: 3382)