Sexual Health - Consent to Contraception

Question 1

When do patients have full autonomy over their treatment?

Answer 1

When they turn 18

16-17 year-olds can make independent decisions

If they refuse treatment, it can be overruled by parents or guardians or the court

Question 2

When can children under 16 make a decision about their treatment?

Answer 2

When they are deemed to haev Gillick competence

Question 3

What is Gillick competence?

Answer 3

Judgement about whether the understanding and intelligence of the child is sufficient to consent to treatment

Question 4

How is Gillick Competence assessed?

Answer 4

Case by case

Question 5

What must be assessed for when assessing Gillick competence?

Answer 5

Coercion
Pressure

May raise safeguarding concerns

Question 6

What are the Frazer guidelines?

Answer 6

Specific guidelines for providing contraception to under 16s without parental input and consent

Question 7

What are the criteria for the Frazer guidelines?

Answer 7

1. Mature and intelligent to understand treatment
2. Cannot be persuaded to talk to parents of let health care professionals discuss it
3. Likely to have intercourse regardless
4. Physical and mental health will suffer without
5. Treatment is in their best interest

Question 8

At what age should intercourse always be escalated?

Answer 8

Under 13 years old