"GPs will be paid bonuses for persuading teenagers to have long-lasting contraceptive implants and jabs without their parents' knowledge," the paper screeched. It was incensed at the idea that sexual health advice, and specifically advice on long-lasting contraception methods, will be a new focus of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, the performance-related pay system for GPs.
The framework has been effective in getting GPs to meet targets in other areas of health, so some might argue that it's a wise move to make sexual health a priority under the framework. But the Mail quoted charity Family and Youth Concern, which slated the idea as "tantamount to bribing doctors to facilitate underage sex". Could this be the same paper that oft laments Britain's high teenage pregnancy rate?
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
