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Issues - Abortion - Abortion guidelines
New government guidelines confirm that doctors will be able
to arrange abortions for girls under the age of 16 without
their parents' consent.
Sexual health campaigners have welcomed the guidance, saying
that girls have a right to get confidential advice. They say
it will help to protect them and reduce the number of teen
pregnancies.
However, anti-abortion campaigners say the guidelines ignore
the parent's right to know what is best for their child.
The publication follows the recent case where a 14-year-old
from Nottinghamshire had a termination without her mother's
knowledge, after seeking advice from a school health worker.
Do you think parents have a right to know? Or do teenagers
have a right to confidential health care? Send us your views.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have
received so far:
Send us your suggestions for Have Your
Say debates As a parent myself -admittedly of two boys - I
strongly object to the state taking on any of my parental
responsibilities. If the state decides that only it can make
this kind of decision then the state can take responsibility
for truancy, underage smoking, drinking and anti-social behaviour.
Either I am responsible or they are, you cannot have it both
ways.
Terry, Epsom, Surrey, England
Abortion is murder and will never be just! By allowing 14
year olds who don't even understand the emotional depth of
sex between male and female will just degrade and demoralise
family values and relationship values further more! Rather
be strict and say no and have a few than allow it to be a
'free for all!'
Steph, UK
I can understand why parents are angry but why aren't they
looking to see why their children fell pregnant in the first
place? Their daughters are obviously having under-age sex
yet none of the parents seem concerned about that. They need
to ask their children why they were having sex at such a young
age first and they need to ask themselves why they didn't
recognise this before blaming other people like doctors who
did recognise that the children were having sex and needed
help. If the teenagers consider themselves old enough to have
sex, the parents shouldn't be suddenly acting as if their
teenagers are uncomprehending infants who didn't realise the
risks of having sex and who had abortions without understanding
the consequences.
Lucy, UK
Another morally bankrupt decision from a desperate government
in its final months
Alan, UK
This isn't an abortion issue, it's a parenting issue. The
government having been banging on about children being out
of control, yet they're now saying there's no consequences
(i.e. children wont be accountable to their parents) to breaking
the law. It is after all illegal for under 16's to have sex.
Also, many parents are very supportive once that initial hurdle
of 'telling them' has been overcome. It can bring other issues
into the open. Another morally bankrupt decision from a desperate
government in its final months.
Alan, UK
Funny how these anti-abortionists are so concerned about the
welfare of the unborn and not very vociferous about the welfare
of the born. I'd like to know how many of them have been adopted
and how many have themselves adopted; how many of them have
been abused or counselled the abused...
Richard, Glasgow, UK
It is inevitable that there will be more, rather than less
teenage pregnancies. The reason being that young girls can
get a termination without their parents knowledge, consent
or help in deciding whether to continue with the pregnancy
and keep the child. I expect the "Pro-Life" groups
will also have much to say on the subject.
Barry, London, United Kingdom
Their bodies are not ready, their minds are not ready and
their emotions are not ready to bear and support a child
Gill, France
I think all "children" 16 or under should be supported
and encouraged to have an abortion - their bodies are not
ready, their minds are not ready and their emotions are not
ready to bear and support a child. Encouraging a child to
go through with the pregnancy is not in the best interests
of the child or the unborn foetus. There is no way an adult
can fully understand the implications of having a baby - much
less a child of 16 or less. I am not saying that with good
support a teenager can't be an excellent parent - its just
very unlikely. Children have rights over their own bodies
but they don't have rights over others - at least I hope not.
Gill, France
The same society which agrees on abortion of a foetus of any
stage, might as well admit that all the unloved, homeless,
family less, single parents, deficient or any other unwanted
child type should be exterminated! Otherwise we are talking
nothing but hypocrisy.
Lucia Kelp, Malmö, Sweden
It is a woman's right to decide whether, and when, to have
an abortion. That's it. Period. Back street abortions were
a horrible, dangerous procedure, and we should not go back
to them, but we will, if abortion is limited.
Sara, Vancouver Canada
Few parents would respect the child wishes if they were different
from their own
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK
What do you want.... 14 year old mothers or girls having abortions
at 14... only seems fair to give the girls the choice. If
you involve the parents, the girls have no choice as few parents
would respect the child wishes if they were different from
their own.
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK
Where in the world is this society headed to? A parent has
a cardinal role in the upbringing of their offspring and God
forbid that this responsibility be relegated through meaningless
laws that in essence only worsening and weaken family ties.
Think twice....the repercussions of such laws are bound to
be grave in the long run. Parents have a God given duty and
right to 'guard' their children!
Mundia, M, Nottingham
Certainly a girl under 16 should have the right to an abortion.
I would even say she should be forced to have the abortion
as the liaison was illegal in the first place. Parents should
have no rights here. It could well be that the pregnancy could
be due to their lack of parenting ability,
Jack Oliver, Newark England
Every pregnant woman, young or old has the right to make their
own decision about the future of their child
Polly Neill, Ealing, London
Every pregnant woman, young or old has the right to make their
own decision about the future of their child but it must be
made based on true knowledge. The recent images are an important
step in allowing a prospective mother to make the right choice.
It may make that choice harder but in this case that is a
good thing.
Polly Neill, Ealing, London
Should parents give consent to abortions?
A 14-year-old from Nottinghamshire had a termination without
her mother's knowledge, after seeking advice from a school
health worker.
Explaining her anger the mother said, "It took my rights
away as a mother completely".
In defence a local education authority spokeswoman said: "Teachers
are not legally bound to inform parents," and added,
"If there is to be any disclosure, the teachers should
seek consent from that pupil they are working with."
Do you think parents have a right to know? Or is the law appropriate
in its current form? If consent were required could it change
the circumstances of the mother-to-be?
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
The mother is just annoyed that she didn't get the trophy
grandchild to show off
Keith, UK
This woman demonstrates everything that is wrong with parenting
in the UK. She's more worried about her rights than how her
daughter got in this mess in the first place. I guess she's
just annoyed that she didn't get the trophy grandchild to
show off.
Keith, UK
Good grief! Is it any wonder that we have a teenage pregnancy
problem! The authorities are steadily removing every possible
means for a parent to advise or discipline their children
and because teenagers know that no-one will tell their parents,
they carry on and then reap the terrible consequences. We've
clearly gone mad and are failing a whole generation.
Gavin Skilton, London, UK
I'm shocked that the mother would have tried to talk her daughter
to keep the baby at age fourteen. How old is this woman? 28
presumably!
Dee, Brighton, England
By formally excluding the parent we may be encouraging dysfunctionality
Brian S. McIntosh, UK
Only in repressed and dysfunctional family situations would
a child not inform her parents about an abortion afterwards.
If the child cannot talk to her parents about the issue this
needs to be addressed. Functional families should be promoted
and this involves ensuring communication occurs. By formally
excluding the parent we may be encouraging dysfunctionality.
Not good for parent or child.
Brian S. McIntosh, UK
Her parents should have been informed after the girls wishes
had been complied with. That way what was best for the girl
in the long term would have been done, but the parents could
still have known in order to keep her under control in the
future.
Gill, UK
Parental consent is required for all other major medical decisions
in an underage child's life. I can't believe that something
with as far reaching emotional, and possibly physical, consequences
for a child can be carried out without any involvement from
the parents at all!
S Sharma, UK
Why is it that the school cannot give the child an aspirin
with the parents' consent, but can take the child for an abortion
without the parents' knowledge?
Michael, York, UK
I cannot accept that the mother's rights have been infringed.
The child has the right to anonymity, and also the right to
proper counselling and advice from a responsible adult, and
also access to contraception to prevent this from occurring
in the first place. Perhaps the mother, who seems more concerned
with how it's affected her than how her poor daughter must
feel, should be asking herself why her daughter didn't feel
able to go to her, rather than why the school (quite rightly)
protected the daughter.
Phil Evans, Newcastle, Staffs
This case is symptomatic of the breakdown of the family unit
CK Yoe, London UK
It seems to me that the mother forfeited her rights when she
abandoned her responsibility towards her daughter. This case
is symptomatic of the breakdown in the family unit that held
society society.
CK Yoe, London UK
This is a very difficult situation in which to find a solution
satisfactory to all concerned. Children in these circumstances
must be allowed to have a degree of confidentiality in this
and other matters. As for the rights of the child's mother,
the law doesn't allow the father to have any say in whether
an abortion takes place or not so why should the pregnant
girls mother.
Michael, Edinburgh, Scotland
I'd be horrified if I thought my daughter could not come to
me in such a situation. Good on the school for having a system
in place where the child feels able to seek assistance and
support over such a difficult and potentially life-changing
experience
Debra, UK
How can a mother not notice that her daughter is pregnant?
Does she not notice her daughter feeling ill or under the
weather? i take it the girl will be charged for having under-age
sex, or does that law only apply to boys? Is it fair for the
guy to take all the flack for this?
Jamie, Soham, Cambs
A child under 16 is just that, a child
JG, Cheshire
A child under 16 is just that, a child, and therefore the
parents should be informed and required to approve this kind
of treatment. An abortion is a surgical operation. Any other
medical operation would require the parents' permission, so
it is outrageous that a child should be allowed - worse still,
encouraged - to undergo this type of treatment without the
parents' knowledge and authorisation! I certainly wouldn't
want somebody operating on my child without my permission!
JG, Cheshire
The child and her boyfriend have been involved in underage
sex, will the police be involved or will they turn a blind
eye to the breaking of yet another law.
Caroline, England
Yes they should. The law requires the parents to do certain
things for their child, including caring for their welfare.
The courts don't hesitate in taking action against those who
fail to do this. If the state undermines the parent's responsibilities
then what can parents do? If a young girl is pregnant, as
uncomfortable as it may be for parents and agencies, the legal
guardian needs to be involved in the decision.
Mark, London, UK
This case graphically highlights the arrogance of some schools
that have developed a 'we know better than you do' attitude.
They forget that at the end of the day the parents have to
pick up the pieces.
Ray W, Soton, UK
Why is it only one person who can consent to a termination?
Why does the male in the relationship have no say? He is half
entitled to it too.
James, Halifax
Whilst teachers are not legally bound to inform parents, they
have no legal right to give consent for medical treatment.
It's also worth pointing out that as parents will be the ones
left supporting a teenager and child they should be involved
in any decision.
Pete, Yate, England
Recently parents have been told they risk prison if there
kids play truant (as ultimately it is seen as the parent's
responsibility). Isn't it hypocritical to then say that if
their daughter gets pregnant and is sent from school to have
an abortion, it is nothing to do with them?
Matt, Plymouth, UK
It is the daughter's decision whether or not to have a child,
and also her choice whether her parents know or not. I personally
think having a child at this age would rob her of her entire
youth; she made the right decision.
Steve, Stevenage
Too many people assume too many rights over an unborn foetus
A Nicholson, Yorkshire
The law sounds spot on to me. Having heard lots of arguments
pro-life and pro-abortion over the years. In all these arguments
it has been and always will be very clear to me that the only
person who should be entitled to make that decision is the
woman who will have to carry the foetus for the nine months
and the future responsibility for the child if born. Too many
people assume too many rights over an unborn foetus.
A Nicholson, Yorkshire
I think this story speaks for itself. If a person under 18
cannot vote and cannot marry without parental consent, how
can they make this kind of decision that has emotional consequences
for both mother and daughter, and also for building a strong
family based on trust?
Jill, Swansea
No, the parents shouldn't have a right to know. While in this
case it seems that things have gone awry, the result of requiring
schools to inform on their pupils will be more teenage pregnancies
and would increase the likelihood of girls being assaulted
of abused by a small minority of parents. Hard cases make
bad law.
Tom, London
The mother should have been made aware of her daughter's situation
so that she may have been able to take responsibility for
her daughter's actions (illegal under-age sex) and help prevent
her from getting into the same mess again. If her mother hadn't
have found out by accident, what lessons would have been learned
by the daughter? I don't believe the child's best interests
were a priority here.
Jan, Edinburgh, UK
If the pupil does not wish to discuss this with her mother,
then the mother should be examining her relationship with
her daughter.... It is quite obvious that the pupil must have
felt much anxiety about this and took an adult decision to
terminate the pregnancy, which is likely to be with her for
a lifetime. She felt ready enough to have sex, and so is old
enough to know the consequences of her actions.
Colin Grant, Manchester, UK
I too have 14-year-old daughter, and the thought that a school
would keep information such as that to themselves because
they feel it is the girls 'best interest' is ridiculous. Teenagers
are still growing and developing. They need guidance and support.
Arrange a joint meeting with the school and parents by all
means, but it's criminal to leave parents in the dark when
these youngsters are under age.
Val Findlay, Wolverhampton, West Midlands
I can see this from two different sides... as a mother - yes
of course I would want to know if my daughter was in a situation
like this¿ but, looking at it objectively, it is better
to have impartial advice from a third party in this kind of
case. It is obvious from the mother's reaction that she is
against abortion. So what is to say that she wouldn't have
made her daughter feel like she had no choice but to have
the baby, if she had told her about it to begin with? Having
the advice from a third party enabled her to make a decision
that was right for her¿ not one that she felt was what
someone else wanted for her¿ or expected of her, because
of their own moral code.
Jen, Essex, UK
Children in these circumstances must be allowed to have a
degree of confidentiality
Michael, Edinburgh
This is a very difficult situation in which to find a solution
satisfactory to all concerned. Children in these circumstances
must be allowed to have a degree of confidentiality in this
and other matters. As for the rights of the child's mother,
the law doesn't allow the father to have any say in whether
an abortion takes place or not so why should the pregnant
girl's mother.
Michael, Edinburgh, Scotland
What parents should not do is consent to allowing their daughters
to be spread across the front page of tabloids. In that respect
is it a wonder why schools put the decision with the individual
and not the so called respectful/supportive parent.
Paul John, London, UK
A friend of mine got pregnant at 15. She didn't tell her mum
and went ahead with the abortion. It was the only feasible
option for her and none of us doubted her choice. Her mother
found out eventually and was furious thereby adding to her
guilt. The mother should only be told if there is no doubt
she will be supportive and let her daughter have the final
say. If this is not possible the daughter should be given
complete anonymity.
Anon, UK
Right to know? 14? Damn right!
RC Robjohn, UK
Right to know? 14? Damn right! People should stop being scared
of taking parental responsibility. Who cares if it is fair
or not - parents aren't supposed to be popular. A large proportion
of parents in this country are immature themselves and so
children just end up doing their own thing. Therein lies the
problem.
RC Robjohn, UK
Small wonder the girl could not confide in her mother. Look
at how she has reacted. If the mother had never found out
the rest of Britain wouldn't be talking about it. This does
the girl no good at such a stressful, traumatic and emotional
time.
Sandra, Glasgow, Scotland
Under no circumstances should the parents be told
Kristie, Leamington Spa
Under no circumstances should the parents be told as they
may try to influence their daughter's decision either way,
and no matter how much they try to help out, it would still
be the daughter who was responsible for the child. It is easy
to say they wanted to keep the baby once the decision was
taken away from them, but the realities of bringing up another
child and being responsible for it for 16, 18, 20 years is
entirely different. If the girl is old enough to make the
decision to have sex, she is old enough to make the decision
to have an abortion. At least she talked to someone before
going ahead with it. Maybe the mother is just upset that it
wasn't her, and is trying to blame the school for her own
lack of parenting?
Kristie, Leamington Spa, UK
I think that parents shouldn't have a right to know if their
daughter has had an abortion because their daughter might
not want to tell them. I also think that the daughter shouldn't
have had sex in the first place because it is obvious that
if she did, she would get pregnant.
Rafia, London, England
Was that for her or the child?
Amy, Runcorn
I many times asked advice from the school nurse, and did not
expect this confidential information to be disclosed to my
parents. I think the right thing was done, and now the teenager
may have a future without being tied down with a child, and
relying on benefits. It seems the mother convinced her to
keep it, was that for her or the child? At least at the school,
it may be impartial advice.
Amy, Runcorn, Cheshire
Why doesn't the mother just admit she is hurt that her daughter
could not come to her? The law is fine as it is. It's important
to have someone a teenager can talk to in confidence. If a
teen needed her parent's approval before she could go ahead
with an abortion, in desperation some may resorted to suicide
or an illegal abortion. That is far worse.
Tanya, Reading
Instead of worrying if their daughters are having abortions
they do not know about perhaps parents should find out why
their daughters are having sex at 14 and put a stop to it.
Barry, Hornchurch, UK
At what age would the parent have been informed... 13, 12,
11, 10?
Carol, England
If it were my own daughter facing the dilemma, I would want
to know
Anon, England
This is a very difficult problem, one that I can personally
see from both angles. I had a baby at 15 and didn't feel in
control at all. I was given advice about abortion but it seemed
like "OK we will tell you about it and give the choice
as long as it is to keep the baby!" So maybe it would
have been better to have an outsider help with the choices
open to me. However if it were my own daughter facing the
dilemma, I would want to know and give all my help, which
would include outside counselling, and support her with whichever
option she chose.
Anon, England
How can a child be able to make an informed decision on abortion
if they do not talk to the person responsible for them? The
child may feel guilty about having sex and getting pregnant,
they may feel they have let people down and may want to hide
the evidence. In addition they may be led to believe that
they would not be able to cope with a child or it may impact
their education. However many mothers would help their daughters
to bring up their grandchild after they got over the initial
shock, hence the parents should be included in the discussion,
however they should not be allowed to stop the abortion.
Caron, England
A 14-year-old girl is presumed to be under the control of
her parents. It should follow that the parent should be informed.
I had the impression that sexual relations with a minor under
16 is against the law. There has been no mention of action
being taken against the perpetrator of this "crime."
Presumably in this age of "Political Correctness,"
and the rights of children; the actions of the said offender
will be ignored - as will as the so called "rights,"
of the parent.
Roger, Swindon, UK
She is far too young to take on the responsibility of a child
Paul Ogleby, Middlesbrough
This girl was under 16 so the mother was right to complain
about the school going over her head. But then again, she
should have taught her daughter the facts of life instead
of relying on the school to do it. I got the impression that
the mother wouldn't have minded too much about the pregnancy,
and was only complaining that the school never told her. I
think the girl made a wise decision, as she is far too young
to take on the responsibility of a child.
Paul Ogleby, Middlesbrough, UK
The mother has no right to know. It is her child's choice
whether she wants to disclose this very personal information
or not. She chose not to. As long as the support and advice
she received from the school health worker was high quality,
she can make her own decision.
Katharine, Nottingham, UK
If the school was obliged to tell parents, then it could stop
many teenagers from seeking help from their teachers. Such
a change must not be allowed to happen.
Matt Smith, Lancaster, UK
Interesting question. At 14 you can't legally consent to sex,
but you can legally consent to an abortion.
David A, UK
Yet another example of poor parenting. Always an easy cop
out blaming the school. Why did the girl get pregnant in the
first place? Parents have a responsibility see this doesn't
happen. I blame the mother and the child - not the school.
Steve, Southampton, England
What's the point entrusting the parents with the responsibility
of a decision - they've proven that they've failed to teach
the basic facts of life, or pass on any semblance of morals
or responsibility.
Vernon Bigg, London
Rights as a mother! That makes me scorn with contempt. If
you don't have the relationship to your children to be able
to exercise that trust with them, you don't have any rights
either. Trying to put legal constraints about the relationship
between parents and offspring dehumanises the basic element
that should carry them.
Martin, London, UK
I don't think the parents should be told by the school. That's
the child's job - if she wants them to know. It's good that
the school provide someone to talk to confidentially; otherwise
some people would have nowhere to turn.
Eleanor, Chester, UK
Yes parents have a right to know. As you are the parent and
guardian of these children. However I would be more concerned
about why a child of 14 is having sex in the first place,
and who made the girl pregnant in the first place. I think
the mother should be asking these questions first before questioning
the school and sending her to have an abortion.
Peter Yates, Southampton
Parents don't have a right to know - if the relationship is
good, the child will consult them naturally, and if it isn't
then it's the child's future that's at stake and it should
be their decision. The pregnant girl should at all times be
the only person giving consent for abortion, as she is the
one who will have to live with the decision she makes, whatever
it might be.
Patrick, London, England
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