I have a friend ............

Errata

Person_one wrote: »

Well VSG, as the only person who has posted their own experience of teenage pregnancy told us emphatically how important it is that the decision be the girl's and the girl's alone, I stand by my belief that pregnant women, whatever their age, have the right to make their own choices regarding that pregnancy.

Of course they do, but this is a child, not a woman. A child who has yet to reach physical and intellectual maturity.

verysillyguy06

Yorkie1 wrote: »

Emweaver, whatever your personal views are, you are incorrect on whether the parents have a legal right to be informed. Ccarpet is correct.

The House of Lords in the Gillick case 30 years ago held that an under-16 year old could be competent to make their own decisions and that their parent did not have a right to make those decisions or be involved in them.

It is a factual test, different for each young person, and the test is as follows:
"...whether or not a child is capable of giving the necessary consent will depend on the child’s maturity and understanding and the nature of the consent required. The child must be capable of making a reasonable assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment proposed, so the consent, if given, can be properly and fairly described as true consent."

Source: NSPCC



Can I just repeat that this is not a statutory rape case because the girl is 13 years old.

What has this to do with the op??

It will be used....do you know the child/young woman? Made up your mind before even meeting the person? No, ccarpet and you are not correct.

It will depend on the circumstances, what is the point of quoting if you do not understand the quote??

Saturnalia

Of course it should be the girl's decision whether she has an abortion or not - but she needs adult advice to make that decision, that's why her mum really should know. Thank goodness her aunt already does know. Brook etc. is a very good idea, then she can get impartial unemotional advice.

Errata

The child must be capable of making a reasonable assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment proposed,

For the hard of thinking. An abortion is not treatment, unless the life of the mother is at risk. Abortion for 'social' reasons is just that.

verysillyguy06

ccarpet wrote: »

You seem to be unaware of the stage in life called teenage and that it differs greatly to being a child.

A 13 year old young Woman who has became pregnant has the right by LAW NOT "OPINION" NOT "PERSONAL EXPERIENCE" to be treated in a mature fashion and with her privacy (in most situations) protected. if that means being able to sbort without the consent or knowledge of a parent then so be it.

Sorry the law is more progressive and rational than you, but the republican party might interest you with their odd opinions on Womens rights.

Try harder.... (in most situations)

Did you read your post before you posted?

If the OP falls in this category we can only guess

Person_one

Errata wrote: »

For the hard of thinking. An abortion is not treatment, unless the life of the mother is at risk. Abortion for 'social' reasons is just that.

Its a medical procedure.

Your judgemental attitude towards the possible reasons doesn't remotely matter.

gibson123

OP

Quite simply your friend has a responsibility to:

Respect the young persons privacy
Help her discuss ALL her options with suitably qualified professionals
Try to encourage, support and help her to talk to her parents.

Many young people in the same situations who have supportive parents will move from the option of abortion to looking at other options.

There is a LOT of help out there.

verysillyguy06

ccarpet wrote: »

Doctors very rarely refuse abortions or betray patients confidentiality. You are the one being extremely presumptuous dear.

That is ok, as long as you keep evidencing the wrongness of your own limited knowledge...carry on

poet123

ccarpet wrote: »

Her mother wont give her impartial advice that's why so many young females opt to hide their pregnancies or anything really from their parents. She obviously couldn't tell her mother so told someone she thought she could trust.

Best thing is to see a professional with or without family.

You have no idea why she chose to tell her aunt, she may have done so knowing that the aunt would tell her mother for her. You cannot assume that just because she hasn't got the courage to tell her mother herself that she doesn't want her to know. Only the aunt can reasonably make an informed decision on this issue. There is no definitive answer.

verysillyguy06

ccarpet wrote: »

Doctors very rarely refuse abortions or betray patients confidentiality. You are the one being extremely presumptuous dear.

How is Gillick competency assessed?

Lord Scarman’s comments in his judgement of the Gillick case in the House of Lords (1985) are often referred to as the test of "Gillick competency":

"...it is not enough that she should understand the nature of the advice which is being given: she must also have a sufficient maturity to understand what is involved."

He also commented more generally on parents’ versus children’s rights:

"Parental right yields to the child’s right to make his own decisions when he reaches a sufficient understanding and intelligence to be capable of making up his own mind on the matter requiring decision."

Since the Gillick case, legal, health and social work professionals continue to debate the issues of a child’s rights to consent or refuse treatment, and how to balance children’s rights with the duty of child protection professionals to act in the best interests of the child. Further court rulings, new legislation and revised guidance continue to amend the legal position




Find me a legal quote where it says : Any 13 year old is Gillic Competent??