Consent to contraception Flashcards
What is the Gillick competence?
Refers to a judgement about whether the understanding and intelligence of the child is sufficient to consent to treatment.
Gillick competence needs to be assessed on a decision by decision basis, checking whether the child understands the implications of the treatment.
When assessing Gillick competence, what is important to check?
Essential to assess for coercion or pressure, for example, coercion by an older partner. This might raise safeguarding concerns.
What are the Frazer guidelines?
The Frazer guidelines are specific guidelines for providing contraception to patients under 16 years without having parental input and consent.
What is the criteria that must be met in the Frazer guidelines before providing contraception to under 16’s?
They are mature and intelligent enough to understand the treatment
They can’t be persuaded to discuss it with their parents or let the health professional discuss it
They are likely to have intercourse regardless of treatment
Their physical or mental health is likely to suffer without treatment
Treatment is in their best interest
Parents of under 16’s must ALWAYS be told when they request treatment. True/false?
False
Children should be encouraged to inform their parents, but if they decline and meet the criteria for Gillick competence and the Frazer guidelines, confidentiality can be kept.
When can confidentiality be broken in this scenario?
When there is any possibility of abuse or exploitation. When this is present, confidentiality may need to be broken.
Children under 15 cannot give consent to sex. True/false?
False
Children under 13 cannot give consent for sexual activity.
All intercourse in children under 13 years should be escalated as a safeguarding concern to a senior or designated child protection doctor.
