The Frazer guidelines are specific guidelines for providing contraception to patients under 16 years without having parental input and consent. The guidelines were set down by the House of Lords in 1985. To follow the guidelines, they need to meet the following criteria:
- They are mature and intelligent enough to understand the treatment
- They can’t be persuaded to discuss it with their parents or let the health professional discuss it
- They are likely to have intercourse regardless of treatment
- Their physical or mental health is likely to suffer without treatment
- Treatment is in their best interest
Children should be encouraged to inform their parents, but if they decline and meet the criteria for Gillick competence and the Frazer guidelines confidentiality can be kept.
In addition consent must be voluntary and not given under coercion.
Sex under 13 is an issue.