A 15-year-old in my youth group is pregnant and happy about it. She is mature and capable, and the father is committed to making a go of the relationship. But she has not told her parents. She is planning to leave home and has asked me not to say anything. Should I be doing anything about this?
The dilemma is that we want to ensure young people are able to make informed choices and feel in control of their lives, but have a duty of care and a professional responsibility to protect them from harm and ensure they are in receipt of services and opportunities available to them.
She is, according to the law, a child expecting a baby underage. Whether her parents approve or not, she should be given the medical care and advice she needs. Keeping this quiet could mean that she is not attending antenatal sessions or even being checked over by her GP. Make sure she is aware and informed about what she should be doing to look after her own health and that of the baby, and that she is aware of the consequences of not informing her parents.
Tracie Trimmer-Platman is senior lecturer in youth and community work at the University of East London
Email questions, marked "Experts", to cypnow@markallengroup.com
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