Contraception for Under 16s - Is Parental Permission Required?

[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.

[fionas]

Agreed and that is another thing we will talk to her about.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

you can get the pill without parents consent. I mean doctors would put them on the pill coz they dont want them coming back saying "oh i think im pregnant" when the doc could have helped avoid it IYKWIM. but u need ur mums medicare card to go to the doctors so i ont see why her mum didnt know??? unless she has her own but living at home i dont see y she would have.

[Lulu]

Is there a difference with US and AUS laws though?

Again, sorry for big fat, unwanted opinion xoxoxo

[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....