§ 14. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received from the British Medical Association about the prescription of oral contraceptives to girls below the age of 16 years; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe British Medical Association has drawn my attention to its policy statement in support of our current guidance on family planning services for young people. In reply I said we would consider this guidance again when the outcome of the legal action of which it is currently the subject is known.
§ Mr. GreenwayIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the widespread public concern over the right of doctors to prescribe oral contraceptives to girls under 16 at a time when it is vital to strengthen the family unit?
§ Mr. ClarkeI am aware of widespread concern and widely differing views. The guidance from the BMA, our Department and the General Medical Council stresses the need to try to involve parents wherever possible, and doctors often succeed in doing so. At present we say that if they cannot, what happens next should depend on what the doctor judges to be best in the interests of the girl. Mrs. Gillick claims that this is illegal and we have undertaken to review the whole question again once we have received the final decision of the court.
§ Dr. M. S. MillerBearing in mind the cost and necessity, if possible, to involve parents, does the right hon. and learned Gentleman accept that the primary consideration is the confidential aspect between patient and doctor?
§ Mr. ClarkeA number of important issues are raised, such as the confidentiality of the relationship between a 15-year-old and a doctor, the ability of a 15-year-old to give valid consent to treatment and whether she is sufficiently mature to give such consent. Obviously we shall have to bear all these matters in mind when we review this policy.