And wat would a school councilor do about it . It is pretty obvious that sex has already taken place.

Fractelle,
We obviously disagree on what the issue is and I am not trying to change your mind but maybe you can see where I am coming from.

Yes, I do see the authority of the parents as very important. We do not need governments to undermine that trust and authority.

This privacy law for kids involves more than just contraception for girls. There are many aspects of medical treatments that could be involved.

However speaking of the contraceptive pill matter. The reason a girl would seek to get the pill is because she is, at least, contemplating having intercourse. Conception is not the only issue here as STD is also a consideration. I think that parents must be the ones to make the decision as to when their daughter is allowed to engage in this activity. As Jolanda said it is unlawful before 16, so how could the parents, or anyone else, approve of an actiity that is unlawful. That is a morality decision the parents have to make.

I do not consider there are many reasons for a child being unable to discuss the matter with her parents. After all sex education is part of schooling these days, but if the nurse thinks there is genuine embarrasment of the subject, she or a counselor could begin the discussions with the parents.

As I said earlier, if medicos believe the best interest of the child are not being met, DOCS should be informed.

Banjo,

You're on the ball here.

There are far too many unknowns in this case and probably will never be known.

The school Nurse in taking the kid to a Doctor is wrong. She should have taken her to a counsellor.

I am of the opinion that the Doctor is also wrong in prescribing something to a minor without the knowledge of the parents. That's my opinion.....full stop.
Surely a Doctor with half a brain is obligated to inform the parents what's going on with 'their' child. I'll tell you what, if it was my daughter I would be spewing.

How do we know that a criminal offence has not taken place here? Maybe the male concerned is above the age of eighteen? Folks condoning criminal activities?

Call in DOCS and leave it at that.

Banjo,
your post was not directed to me but I would like to say that I can see where you are coming from. However, I think you're conflating a number of different issues.

Legislative and common law protections for medical privacy are not undermining parental authority. Yes, the 14 year old cut-off for informed consent is arbitrary, but where would you put it...at 16 (age of consent)...at 17 (driver's licence)...at 18 (vote, join army, get tattoo without parental consent, drink legally)...early 20s (when the male brain has matured)? Some 12 year olds are more mature than 20 year olds so perhaps there should be some barrier test...like a driver's licence??

Your children may feel comfortable discussing their sexuality with you, but I don't think that puts you in the majority. And as to your statement "that parents must be the ones to make the decision as to when their daughter is allowed to engage in this activity"...well I think you are a little deluded if you think you will be in the position to 'allow' your kids to be sexually active.

And BTW, I don't really think you strengthen your argument very much by citing Jolanda's idiosyncratic interpretation of the law. She still appears to think that the school and GP have colluded in a crime.

Divey,

"I am of the opinion that the Doctor is also wrong in prescribing something to a minor without the knowledge of the parents. That's my opinion.....full stop."

You're entitled to that opinion but you are mistaken legally, medically and ethically.

"Surely a Doctor with half a brain is obligated to inform the parents what's going on with 'their' child"

You're also entitled to that opinion but you are mistaken legally, medically and ethically.

I guess your point about not knowing all the facts is correct...so we don't need to make gratuitous speculations about the age of sexual partners, etc.

Jason the girls virginity isnt the most important thing, its her ongoing health, both physical and mental. The fact that she has (maybe) had sex in the past is no biggy. Its the fact that she obviously intends to again in the future. A counsellor should be looking to address why the child feels she cant talk to her parents, and what underlying problem is steering the child towards risky behaviour. So there is a big role to play.

I didnt see the program Banjo - was the specific mention of the girl planning to engage in sexual activity? The thought just occurred that contraception isnt the only reason why the pill is prescribed. It can be used simply to regulate the menstrual cycle if its sporadic and painful - its certainly not beyond belief that a toung teen may have trouble raising this with her parents.