A confidential letter leaked to Children Now reveals the British Medical Association (BMA) wants the London Child Protection Committee to scrap its draft protocol requiring all cases of sexually active young people under 13 to be detailed to police.
The letter, sent to the committee by BMA director for professional activities Vivienne Nathanson, says that doctors have serious concerns about the guidance.
It continues: "We believe mandatory reporting will not prevent sexual activity among young people but is likely to deter them from seeking medical advice and will inevitably hinder the formation of trusting relationships between patients and professionals."
The letter concludes: "We urge you to withdraw the protocol, which contradicts existing guidance and will cause confusion."
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