Abortion guidelines 'damaging family life'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The "undermining" influence of recent Department of Health guidelines was spelt out by a QC appearing for a mother of five who is battling for parents' "right to know" if their daughters seek advice or treatment.
Sue Axon, 51, a divorced single parent from Wythenshawe, Manchester, is seeking a judicial review. Her QC, Philip Havers, told Mr Justice Silber, sitting in London: "We contend that contraception, treatment for sexually transmitted infections and abortion for children ... are issues parents and children - and society as a whole - would expect parents to advise their children about. Society cannot expect parents to carry out their responsibilities if they are kept in the dark."
Lawyers for the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, are defending the guidelines, saying the right of confidentiality enjoyed by under-16s is crucial to the battle to reduce teenage pregnancies and improve sexual health. They say children's right to confidentiality must always be protected. The case continues.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments