Contraception for Under 16s - Is Parental Permission Required?

[Lulu]

Ok - should she be sexually active...

Is there an answer, I dunno. I had a thread once that evolved into this somehow (but very valuable all the same), and many who posted mentioned they were having HEAPS of sex at that age - as was I!!

It changed the way I looked at things - I mean I had the GREATEST sexual relationship at 16. It taught me all about sex, and the expression of love and set a benchmark for me (that unfortunately has never been exceeded since then, teens or not), and I would sort of want the same for my own DD.

So, I have made sure I talked to her about the reality (boys will say whatever to get into your pants), and that her body was so sacred, but I trust her to make the right decision for herself. Cos I sorted don't have much choice. If I make it seem too scary she will want to prove me wrong, and if I'm too blase I can't give her any standards - feel me?

BIG tangent that one ......

I don't think its about 'shoulds' or should nots' - it soooo individual.

[mrsmac]

Legally you can't get the pill without your parents permission if you are under 16, I asked my GP this. DD says you can't get the morning after pill either unless you are 16 cause she had a 14 yr old friend want her to get it for her cause she is older!

[Danni]

Thats interesting Mrs Mac. So that means that girls under the age of 16 who have unprotected sex have no choice?

[Aimz]

It's not a legal issue for GP's - it's an ethical one and will vary from doctor to doctor.

ETA: From the "Family Planning, Victoria" website...

Q. Can I get the pill if I am under 16?

A. Yes. It is legal to prescribe the pill to most young women, without their parents' consent. The doctor will ask you a series of questions to ensure that you understand the pill but FPV encourages, where possible, to discuss this with your parent/s or guardian.

And from the "Family Planning, WA" website...

Q. Am I old enough to…go on the Pill?

A. A doctor can prescribe the Pill to you at any age, as long as they believe you are mature enough to understand what you are doing, and that you will take it properly.

Q. Am I old enough to…buy condoms?

A. There is no age limit to buying condoms, and they are widely available from supermarkets, pharmacies and service stations, or at FPWA Sexual Health Services' clinics.

Hope that answers your questions Fi.

[Lulu]

Sorry Fi, I didn't read your post properly.
Now you got a big fat opinion you didn't ask for...my bad.....

[fionas]

That's OK Lulu.

The reason I didn't ask for opinions is that I kind of know what we want to say to her but I just wanted to make sure of some facts first.

Started writing what we would say to her but it all started getting too long!

But basically, I agree with you - it's a tough balancing act between not being blase and not being seen to facilitate her having sex while at the same time being realistic about her particular situation and the fact that we think that she's already sexually active (DP has a good enough relationship with her to be able to ask that question, not sure he'll get a totally honest answer but he's gutsy enough to ask at least).

[Snacks]

So that means that girls under the age of 16 who have unprotected sex have no choice?

They can use condoms. Probably safer, unless they are very careful about taking their pill at the same time each day (I know that was something I NEVER mastered for as long as I was on the pill).

[Schmickers]

They can use condoms. Probably safer, unless they are very careful about taking their pill at the same time each day (I know that was something I NEVER mastered for as long as I was on the pill).

I agree. The safe use of condoms is a much more important 'skill' for young people to have than using the pill, because learning to use condoms with new sex partners will protect them from STDs as well as pregnancy.

[Schmickers]

Minimum age for a young person to consent to their own medical treatment is 14 years and nine months old, as long as the treating practicitoner (in this case the GP) is satisfied that they are able to make a responsible and informed decision at that age.

If there is doubt, then a practitioner will usually seek the permission of the parents up to the age of 16, at which point they are not required to have parental permission, and in fact are also not able to disclose any information to the parents without the consent of the child.

[Mumma2three]

Gosh, I hope that no matter what kids are using condoms as well if they're on the pill. Scary to think that they would think the pill is all that is needed. I only say that as why else would they need morning after pill.
I worry about this having a pre-teen girl!! Oh the joys...

[1MOREPLZ]

i was going to say the 14 & 9 months thing...because that is the "legal" age for afew things....
jobs, leave home and you can't do a thing about it!!! and afew others that have skipped my mind...
i was on the pill from age 11 for horrid periods....