The legal framework
Under the principle established by the courts, a person under sixteen who is judged to understand the decision can consent to contraception and sexual health treatment without a parent, and the clinician is expected to keep it confidential. Sexual health services are free, and young people can attend a clinic directly without a referral. Emergency contraception is available free from many pharmacies and from sexual health clinics.
The governing idea in the UK is Gillick competence: a young person under sixteen who understands the advice and its implications can consent to contraception and sexual health care without a parent, and the clinician must judge that in the moment rather than apply an age. Contraception and testing are free on the NHS at any age, and confidentiality applies to under-sixteens as it does to adults, subject to safeguarding.
Key points
| Parental consent | Not required where the young person is judged competent to decide |
|---|---|
| Confidentiality | Owed to the young person, with a narrow exception where there is a safeguarding concern |
| Cost | Contraception and sexual health care are free |
| Emergency contraception | Free from many pharmacies and from clinics |
| Testing | Free, including postal self-test kits |
| Self-referral | You can go straight to a sexual health clinic |
| Age of consent | Sixteen across the United Kingdom |
In practice
- A sexual health clinic is the fastest route: free, confidential and no referral needed.
- No internal examination is needed to start contraception — do not let anyone suggest otherwise.
- Postal testing kits let a young person test without attending anywhere.
- If your daughter would rather talk to someone other than you, that is normal and the system expects it.
Cost and coverage
All sexual health care is free at the point of use.
Where to go
- Local sexual health clinic, free and self-referral.
- Community pharmacy, for emergency contraception.
- School nurse or GP.
- Brook and similar young people's services, free and confidential.
Worth knowing
Confidentiality applies against you as a parent. It is not aimed at families: it is what stops a frightened teenager from going without care altogether.
Frequently asked questions
Can a fifteen-year-old get contraception without their parents knowing?
Yes, if the clinician judges them competent to understand the decision. The clinician will encourage involving a parent but cannot require it, and the consultation is confidential. The exception is where there is a safeguarding concern — coercion, a large age gap, exploitation — which must be acted on.
Where can a young person go?
A GP, a sexual health or young people's clinic, or a pharmacy for emergency contraception, which is free at many pharmacies for under-twenty-fives depending on the area. Online services post testing kits discreetly. All of it is free on the NHS.
Official sources and links
- Brook — free confidential sexual health services for under-25s
- NHS — sexual health — find a clinic, free testing and contraception
- Childline — 0800 1111 — free and confidential, for under-19s
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised