(3) There should be clarity about confidentiality and safeguarding
issues.
Many pregnant teenagers have concerns regarding confidentiality
when accessing maternity care. They have often had very
negative experiences when interacting with social service and
other organizations. The duty of confidentiality to those under 16
is the same as to any other person. The Young People’s Health
Special Interest Group of the Royal College of Paediatrics and
Child Health produces a number of excellent guides for young
people that can be used to provide pregnant teenagers with easy
to understand information about their rights within the healthcare
setting. Young women should be made aware of the confidentiality
policies and practices of maternity services. Health
professionals have a duty to act in the best interests of their
patients. There are certain situations when confidentiality should
not be kept when dealing with this population. If health professionals
believe that there is a risk to the safety or welfare of a
young person or others, they should act in accordance with local
safeguarding guidelines. For patients who are under 16, assessment
of Frazer competence must be undertaken and ideally the
patient should be seen with someone who has parental
responsibility.