DEATH OF CAROLINE BACON AND THE PROVISION OF CONTRACEPTIVES TO MINORS

Early day motion 172, tabled 13 January 1999 by Marsha Singh (Labour). Signed by 66 members.

That this House expresses its sadness and regret at the tragic death of 16 year old Caroline Bacon, who died after 11 months' paralysis following a stroke; notes that her condition arose as a medical complication arising from her taking the contraceptive pill for six months from the age of fourteen and a half years; further notes that inadequate medical checks were undertaken at the time she was prescribed that oral contraception; believes that powerful oral contraceptives should only be prescribed to patients after proper counselling, advice upon attendant risks, and following due medical investigation; extends its deep sympathy to Mr and Mrs Bacon on the death of their daughter; sympathises with their anger and frustration that such contraceptives had been prescribed for Caroline without their knowledge; believes that all parents have a right to be informed that contraceptives have been prescribed to their children aged under 16 years; and invites Her Majesty's Government urgently to review the law and the guidelines issued to medical practitioners in this area.

Signatures by party: Labour 40, Conservative 16, Labour/Co-operative 3, UUP 3, DUP 1, Independent 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.