NO - Terri Dowty, director, Action on Rights for Children
We know that children will not use services if they think their confidentiality will be compromised. There are major issues here. If we stop young people accessing sexual health services and they still carry on having sex, it will create a public health problem and dangers for young people.
We would risk building on our already high rate of teenage pregnancy. Children have got to have access to confidential sexual health advice.
NO - Ros Godson, professional officer for school-aged children's health, CPHVA/Unite
The proposal describes the current situation in England. Young people engaged in consensual sex with similar aged partners should not be reported. Research shows that they value confidentiality above all else, and any threat to this will prevent them from accessing professional advice. They should be encouraged, but not forced, to discuss these matters with parents or carers.
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