Sexual Health for Under 16’s

If you’re under 16 years old

Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.

If you’re under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will not tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information you’re given and the decisions you’re making.

Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They’ll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you.

The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you’re at risk of harm, such as abuse.

In these circumstances, the risk would need to be serious, and they’d usually discuss it with you first.