Find out about confidential sexual health services, including contraception, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and abortion services, even if you're under 16 years old.
If you're under 16 and want contraception, an abortion or tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell your parents (or carer) as long as they believe that you fully understand the information you're given, and your decisions.
They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents or carers, but they won't make you. You have the same rights to confidentiality as an adult (someone who is 16 or over).
What you can get
If the healthcare worker feels that you understand the information and can make your own decision, you can get the following:
- contraception
- emergency contraception (the 'morning-after pill' or the IUD)
- condoms
- abortion, and
- tests and treatments for STIs
Even if the doctor, nurse or pharmacist feels that you're not mature enough to make a decision yourself, the consultation will still be confidential. They won't tell anyone that you saw them, or anything about what you said.
The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you 're at risk of harm, such as abuse. The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first.
The situation is different for people under 14 because the law says that people of this age can't consent (say yes) to sexual activity. Doctors, nurses and health workers might feel it's in your best interests to involve other people, such as a social worker, if you're under 14.
If you're worried about this, contact the clinic and ask them about confidentiality. For example, whether they will tell anyone else if someone under 16 or under 14 asks about contraception.
Help and advice
For more information about sexual health services for young people, contact:
- Brook, the young people's sexual health charity for under-25s. www.askbrook.org.uk
- FPA, provider of information on individual methods of contraception, common sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy. www.fpa.org.uk
- Sexual Health Line on 0800 567123 (a confidential helpline).
Further information
Where to get contraception
It's OK to say no to sex
