Underage Contraception

Lilianna has booked in to see you at a walk-in family planning clinic. She has come to discuss contraceptive options as she is thinking about starting a sexual relationship with her boyfriend. She tells you that she has not had sex yet but they have talked about it and she would like to be sure she cannot fall pregnant. Although Lilianna looks and acts much older, she is not quite 15.

• What questions ought you to ask?
• Can you lawfully prescribe contraception?
• As Lilianna is under the legal age for sexual intercourse should this be reported?

Apply Theory (Specific Professional Healthcare Competencies + Clinical Medical Ethical Principles) to Practice in order to provide Optimal Patient-Centered Care (OPCC)

Source – Ethics Case Studies from Clinical Ethics and Law (Second Edition), Carolyn Johnston Penelope Bradbury