Child Health 6 - Jennie

The Case

Contraception

Multiple Choice Question

Jennie is very keen to talk about options regarding contraception.  She hasn’t discussed this with her parents.  What should your next steps be? (Tick all that apply)

Teacher's Comment

It is a popular misconception that Mrs Gillick does not want her name applied to this assessment of Competence. This is not the case and it is important to understand the distinction between Gillick Competence (the basic criteria for assessing competence in a young person) and Fraser's Guidelines (issued by the Judge in the case).

References
  1. Gillick v West Norfolk and Wisbech AHA [1986] AC 112.
  2. R (on the application of Sue Axon) v The Secretary of State for Health & Anor [2006] EWHC 37 (Admin), [2006] 1FCR 175
  3. Best Practice Guidance for Doctors and other Health Professionals on the provision of Advice and Treatment to Young People under 16 on Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health (DoH, 2004)