Forcing teens to disclose abortion could breach rights

NewsTalk ZB 5 May 2016
Forcing a teenager to tell her parents if she has an abortion could be a breach of her rights.
A petition is currently before select committee, asking doctors to inform parents if a girl under 16 wants an abortion.
Ministry of Justice policy manager Caroline Greaney said there was a ground-breaking decision in 1986, that a child’s age shouldn’t be the biggest factor in whether they’re allowed to make a decision for themselves.
“Everybody is presumed competent, unless there is reasonable grounds that they are not competent.
“A person is assumed competent to make a decision if they understand the nature of the procedure and the consequences of that procedure. The capacity is considered on a case-by-case basis by doctors.”
Greaney said doctors currently follow the medical code’s rule on consumer rights.
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/forcing-teens-to-disclose-abortion-could-breach-rights/

 
National Director Bob McCoskrie discusses the issue with Newstalk ZB’s Leighton Smith