May 12, 2004 / 22:00 pm
A mother, whose 14-year-old daughter was allowed to have an abortion without her knowledge or consent, has launched an attack on the system, reported PA News.
The schoolgirl became pregnant last month. After consulting with child health workers at school, she decided to have an abortion.
The mother found out about her daughter’s decision from a passer-by on the street. She spoke with her daughter and brought her daughter’s boyfriend and his mother into the discussion. As a result, the teenager changed her mind but it was too late. She had already taken the first of two pills as part of the abortion process and the damage was irreparable.
The mother is now furious. She has said she understands the nature of the law that protects a young person’s privacy regarding health matters. However, she does not think it is right that a mother is not told about her 14-year-old daughter’s serious health condition or that such a young girl is allowed to abort without a parent’s consent.