MANCHESTER, October 18, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Manchester mother has given the British health authorities two weeks to review their policy of not allowing parental consent for minors seeking abortion. Sue Axon, 50, from Baguley, Manchester is launching a judicial review in High Court of the Department of Health rules that would allow a twelve-year-old to obtain an abortion through the assistance of a school nurse without her parents’ knowledge or consent.
Mrs. Axon had an abortion herself 20 years ago and says she is not trying to make abortion illegal for minors. She said, “Whether you believe in abortion or not, I do not believe any mother would want her daughter to have an abortion without her knowing about it.” Mrs. Axon said in a television interview, “I feel that as a mother they have taken away my right to protect my children. I am prepared to make a stand and challenge them.” Britain’s Family Planning Association, a pro-abortion organization associated with International Planned Parenthood Federation, responded to Mrs. Axon’s move by saying, “We fully support the Department of Health guidance on providing sexual health advice and treatment to under 16s. We know that young people worry a great deal about the confidentiality of health services and it’s one of the main reasons why they fail to seek professional advice.” Mrs. Axon’s solicitor has sent a letter to the Department of Health warning them that if the guidelines are not reviewed she would be seeking a judicial review within 14 days. She will argue that the guidelines infringe her rights as a parent under the European Convention on Human Rights. Manchester Online coverage: https://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/133/133919_mum_takes_abortion_fight_to_high_court.html
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