FAQs

I'm 15 yrs old and need contraception. I was thinking of using the Pill, but don’t want to tell my mum. Can I get the Pill from the doctor without her finding out?

Answer

If you are under 16, a doctor can prescribe the Pill as long as he or she assesses that you are mature enough to understand what taking the Pill means, how to take it, the side effects and consequences.

Confidentiality is very important and your consultation will not be discussed with anyone else without your permission unless the doctor judges that you in a situation of risk or there is an important health reason to tell another doctor that you are taking the pill.

It can be very helpful, however, to have the support of an adult in this situation and many young women find that getting their mum or another responsible adult to help with this is easier than they imagined.

And by the way, don't forget that condoms are the best way to protect yourself from STIs (sexually transmissible infections). See: http://www.fpnsw.org.au/sex-matters/factsheets/23.html and http://www.fpnsw.org.au/sex-matters/factsheets/52.html.