YES - Dr Vivienne Nathanson, head of science and ethics, British Medical Association
When someone under 16 sees a doctor to request an abortion, as well as counselling them about all the options, the doctor will also encourage them to talk to their parents. If it is not possible to talk to a parent there are other options: an aunt, older sister, teacher or social worker.
Doctors will be anxious about the young person's lack of emotional support if they decide to go through with it on their own.
However, if the young person insists that they do not want to talk to their parents or anyone else, and the doctor believes they have sufficient understanding of the issues and is acting free from pressure, then the doctor can consent to the termination.
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