BOOTS THE CHEMIST AND THE GREATER GLASGOW NHS TRUST (No. 2)

Early day motion 126, tabled 15 December 1998 by Ann Winterton (Conservative). Signed by 25 members.

That this House notes the proposals by Boots the Chemist and Greater Glasgow NHS Trust to provide contraceptives and post-coital prescriptions to adolescents; notes with concern that this will include minors under the age of consent, and that according to reports there will be no minimum age and no requirement that parents be informed; observes that the Report of the International Conference on Population and Development stipulates that activities in this area must have 'proper regard for parental guidance and responsibilities'; notes that the prescription of hormonal contraceptives by a doctor other than the patient's own general practitioner increases her chances of being given an inappropriate prescription, with attendant risks to her life and health; is particularly concerned about possible repeated use of post-coital prescriptions; notes the statement by Dr Judy Bury, former Director of Edinburgh Brook Advisory Centre, which provides contraceptives to children and adolescents, that 'There is overwhelming evidence that, contrary to what you might expect, the provision of contraception leads to an increase in the abortion rate'; further notes that in its recent consultation on teenage parenthood the Social Exclusion Unit has questioned why previous attempts to address this issue have not succeeded; is therefore deeply concerned that the proposed initiative may contribute to an increase in premature and illegal sexual activity and resultant pregnancies, abortions and sexually transmitted diseases, and may in some cases facilitate the sexual abuse of minors; and invites Boots and Greater Glasgow NHS Trust to reconsider their approach.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, Labour 9, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.