Christian Lawyers concern as Sue Axon loses ‘right to know’ case

The judgment in the Sue Axon case was delivered on 23 January 2006. In a crucial decision on the role of the family, it was announced that Sue Axon had lost her legal challenge for the parental right to be informed of her child having an abortion.

The judgment in the Sue Axon case was delivered on 23 January 2006. In a crucial decision on the role of the family, it was announced that Sue Axon had lost her legal challenge for the parental right to be informed of her child having an abortion. Abortion has been put in the same category as the provision of contraceptive services for under-16s. According to the guidance parents need not be told of a pending operation. This is supposed to follow the principle set down in the leading case of Gillick. However, the Gillick ruling decided that, in general, parents should be made aware of treatment decisions made for under 16s, and that it was only in exceptional circumstances that parents should not be informed.

The LCF view the decision today, which upholds this guidance, as one which further erodes the role and status of the family in our society today.

Andrea Minichiello Williams, LCF Public Policy Officer commented ‘Only if abortions were risk-free could it be argued that parents need not be informed. There is, however, sufficient evidence to show that abortion in young girls is associated with increased mortality, increased suicide rates, a large number of potential very severe/life threatening immediate medical complications as well as long-term consequences affecting subsequent pregnancies, for example increased risk of premature birth (with all the very serious complications prematurity involves) ectopic pregnancy, and others. In addition the prospect of an abortion presents a highly charged moral and conscience decision for a child in which the parents have a right to be properly involved.’

Lawyers’ Christian Fellowship Media Enquiries:

Ruth Noble
07737 586 224

http://www.lawcf.org

The Lawyers Christian Fellowship is a national organisation with around 1,700 members at every stage of the legal profession. The LCF works to encourage and equip Christian lawyers to be effective in their life and work, and to promote Christian principles within the UK legal system.