The UK has too many sexually active children, the MP says

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The UK has the highest number of sexually active children aged 15 and under in Western Europe, an MP claims.

Angela Watkinson, Tory MP for Upminster, wants to give parents rights to know before their child has an abortion or contraception.

Her Contraception and Abortion (Parental Information) Bill is being presented to the House of Commons under the "10-minute rule'' procedure on Wednesday.

Many parents have no idea that their children are being provided with contraception or, in the case of girls, an abortion, Mrs Watkinson said.

"The first thing they learn may be when their children are reported to have some form of sexually transmitted disease (STD)," she added.

"According to Unicef, we have the highest numbers of sexually active children of 15 and under in Western Europe.

"This, undoubtedly, has led to the highest number of teenage pregnancies and the highest number of reported cases of STDs among teenagers of any country in Western Europe.

"People constantly call on parents to take more responsibility for their young - but they can hardly be blamed if the Department of Health promotes a policy which deliberately exempts them from being able to protect their children.''

Mrs Watkinson said parents should always be informed apart from in exceptional circumstances which were allowed for.

Professor David Paton, of Nottingham University Business School, said evidence from regions with laws requiring parents to be informed before abortion on minors suggested a considerable decrease in conceptions, abortions and sexually transmitted infections.

He added that there was no evidence that parental involvement laws would result in minors turning to back street abortionists.

Dr Trevor Stammers, a senior tutor in general practice at St George's University of London, added: "Parental involvement and communication with teenagers on sexual issues affecting them leads to improved sexual health.

"Excluding parents can only contribute to the reverse trend.''