Parents' questions

My 13 year-old daughter's just told me she's started having sex. What should I do?

It can be very difficult for a parent when a son or daughter becomes sexually active at a young age. You could encourage your daughter to go along to a local Brook Centre or similar young people's service where she can talk to a counsellor about her relationship. The counsellor will be able to explore with her what's going on - for example, if she is being pressurised into having sex. If she is sexually active, then she will need contraceptive advice, which is available at Brook. Special rules apply for contraceptive treatment for under 16s.

Find your nearest Brook Centre here.

You may also wish to consider getting some support yourself to cope with this situation.

My 15 year-old daughter's just told me she's pregnant and she wants to keep the baby, but I know it will ruin her life. Can I make her have an abortion?

It is natural to react strongly to this news. You may feel shocked, angry and upset. But, your daughter needs you to support her through this difficult time. Although you can give her support and information on her options, she is the person who has to live with her decision. Legally, it is extremely unlikely that you could make your daughter have an abortion, even though she is under 16.

You could encourage your daughter to go along to a local Brook Centre or similar young people's service where she can talk to a counsellor. The counsellor will be able to explore with her how she feels about her pregnancy and give her impartial information on her options.

Find your nearest Brook Centre here.

You may also wish to consider getting some support yourself to cope with this situation.

My 14 year-old daughter's just told me she's pregnant and wants an abortion but I don't believe in it. Can I stop her as she's under 16?

It is natural to feel strong emotions when receiving such news. You may feel shocked, angry and upset. However, your daughter needs you to support her through this difficult time. Although you can give her support and information on her options, she is the person who has to live with her decision. It is extremely unlikely that you can stop your daughter having an abortion, even though she is under 16. She needs your support at this difficult time.

You could encourage her to talk to a counsellor at a local Brook Centre or similar young people's service. The counsellor will be able to explore with her how she feels about her pregnancy and give her impartial information on her options.

Find your nearest Brook Centre here.

You may also wish to consider getting some support yourself to cope with this situation.