They praised the Department of Health's move, which for the first time says health professionals should establish a "rapport" with young patients and give them "time and support to make an informed choice".
Jan Barlow, chief executive of Brook, which advises under-25s on sexual matters, said: "The guidance makes it clear that people under 16 have the same right to confidentiality as adults."
Professionals not prepared to provide a confidential service must refer young patients elsewhere, and the Sexual Offences Act would not affect doctors' ability to promise secrecy, she added.
However, some family campaigners have criticised the move, saying parents should be fully involved if an under-16 wants to have an abortion.
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