Shame...(but typical of the British justice system)

Mother loses under-16 abortion case

A mother of two teenage daughters has lost her High Court battle for a parent's "right to know" if girls under 16 are being advised on obtaining an abortion.

Sue Axon, 52, a divorced single parent from Baguley, Wythenshawe, Manchester, suffered a legal defeat with implications for parents across the country.

She had an abortion 20 years ago which caused her "guilt, shame and depression for many years and to this day regrets having undergone it," a judge heard.

The case raised the question whether the parents of a young girl who goes to her doctor, or other health professional, over abortion, contraception or sexually-transmitted disease are entitled at least to be told about any proposed advice and treatment before it is provided.

Mr Justice Silber, sitting in London, ruled that Mrs Axon, who has five children, or any other parent, had no right to know unless the child decided otherwise.

To force a girl to tell her parents "may lead her to make a decision that she later regrets or seek the assistance of an unofficial abortionist," said the judge.

Mrs Axon, who will not be seeking leave to appeal, said after hearing the result: "I am obviously disappointed by the judgment of the court."

Her elder daughter, Joy, is pregnant and expecting a baby due on her 17th birthday on March 25.

Mrs Axon said: "Having endured the trauma of abortion, I brought the case to ensure that medical professionals would not carry out an abortion on one of my daughters without first informing me. I could then discuss such a life-changing event with her and provide the support she would need.

"I do not regret having brought these proceedings."