The centrepiece of the guidance is the right for all those aged 13 and above to have confidentiality when visiting their GP. So young people up to three years below the age of consent have the right to discuss their sexual activity and seek advice without the knowledge of their parents.
This has triggered a predictable smattering of hysteria in some sections of the right-leaning press about the guidance riding roughshod over the rights of parents. But the guidance, which consulted teenagers in its formulation, treats the young thankfully as individuals on a par with adults.
The right to confidentiality is significant. About a quarter of under-16s who are sexually active are deterred from seeking medical advice from their doctor, according to sexual health charity Brook. The presence of parents can prevent them from being frank and asking for help. Although the ideal is that young people should feel comfortable discussing sexual matters with their parents, the right to confidentiality engages with the reality that many do not.
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