When should contraceptive agents be given to minors?
Schewe, G.
Münchener Medizinische Wochenschrift 122(25): 923-924
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-3098 PMID: 6772938 Document Number: 167843
The problem of prescribing oral contraceptives to minors is discussed. The prescription must not go against the established mores of society. The patient must be thoroughly informed about the use and possible side effects of the oral contraceptives. The patient must also be capable of giving informed consent, which is different from being of "legal age". It is difficult for a physician to determine if his minor patient is capable of giving informed consent, especially if she is under 16. Such decisions must be left up to the individual physician to reach in each individual case.