§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are issued to doctors about informing the parents of girls who are 16 years or under who wish to have an abortion; and if he will make a statement. [189039]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 14 September 2004]: Guidance for health professionals on this issue is provided by the Department in "Best practice guidance for doctors and other health professionals on the provision of advice and treatment to young people under 16 on contraception, sexual and reproductive health (updated July 2004)", available from the Department's website at www.dh.gov.uk. A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library.