Workshop 2: Contraception and other preventive measures tailored for adolescents and young people

Chair: A. Webb (United Kingdom) & G. Bartfai (Hungary)

The aim was to start a discussion around what may affect the use of clinical and advisory services by young people.

Every country had some successes but all were aware that there are still many barriers. The main area explored looked at the legal framework that clinicians had to work in with regards to sexual health issues in minors. In all countries an adult was defined as anyone aged 18 years or over. Below that there is a plethora of laws which influence what care can be given whilst maintaining confidentiality as well as being able to address issues of child protection.

In Greece everything is legal but there is always the possibility that a complaint can be made against the clinician via the police.

In France the usual age for consent to treatment is 15 years. Below that an abortion can be provided confidentially but not treatment for STI!

In Ireland and Portugal abortion is illegal regardless of age and in the latter any pregnant girl under 15 years is referred to child protection.

In Finland the clinician can use judgement to assess maturity (11 or 12 years) and there are specialist units for child protection if there is concern.

In Hungary parental consent is needed for anyone under 18.

In Israel there is a special document for the Ministry of Health to allow adolescent services, as changing the law is seen as too sensitive.

In Belgium there are no particular laws regarding sexual health services and 16 is the age for consent to treatment.

In England & Wales a new sexual offences law has helped to clarify consent to treatment and the need to refer to specialist services.

The group agreed that the ESC could possibly be a conduit for some harmonisation of rights and laws in Europe, to allow normal adolescent development at varying ages and protection against abuse as well as unwanted pregnancies and STIs.