Professional confidence in relation to young persons who seek treatment concerning pregnancy or contraceptive advice
Lancet 1(8426): 470
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0140-6736 PMID: 11644443 Document Number: 250785
Britain's General Medical Council, in the wake of the Court of Appeal's ruling in Gillick v. West Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority, has modified its guidelines on confidentiality in situations where persons under the age of 16 seek medical advice or treatment concerning contraception or pregnancy. Physicians are now counseled to urge parental involvement and to withhold advice or treatment except in an emergency or with court approval if the patient refuses to allow the doctor to seek parental consent. In any event, professional secrecy should be maintained. These guidelines will be in effect pending the outcome of a further appeal of the Gillick case to the House of Lords.