British culture of secrecy

British news:

Girls under 16 can have abortions without their parents' knowledge, a judge ruled yesterday.

Sue Axon, 51, a divorced, single parent of five children from Wythenshawe, Manchester, lost a High Court case challenging Government guidelines that allow health professionals to give sexual health advice to under-16s without parental consent.

In a case which had wide implications, Mrs Axon said the guidance was "undermining" family life by fostering a "culture of secrecy".

Young schoolgirls also get condoms and morning-after pills without their parents' knowledge or consent.