| Caledonia Youth, an independent provider of sexual health and educational services to young people, which also runs centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow, yesterday received heavy criticism from several campaigning groups and the Roman Catholic Church.
The attacks came in the run-up to the launch of a new centre in Falkirk and, in particular, questioned the motives of any adult who would keep the fact that a child has had an abortion from their parents.
A spokesperson for Caledonia Youth today stressed that any child who visits a centre is encouraged to talk to their parents or guardian about their relationships and visit to Caledonia Youth.
She said, “We are talking about the most vulnerable children here, and we always talk to them about the inclusion of a responsible adult in the situation. It could well be the case that a young person feels they can’t talk to their parents about such an issue but once they have spoken to one of our nurses they change their mind.
“The nurses in the centres make every effort to encourage young people to discuss their position with their parents or a responsible adult. Basically we aim to provide a non-judgmental and confidential service and as a professional organisation we cover strict codes of medical practice. If a young person went to see their GP the service they would receive would be exactly the same.
“If the young person can show they understand the seriousness of the medical procedure, then it can go ahead.”
Caledonia Youth also emphasised that abortion referral for young girls is a small percentage of the work they do and listed education, counselling and training as the core of work they are involved in.
The organisation that received a three-year funding package of £1.5 million at the start of 2002 from the Scottish Executive, has run a centre in Reform Street, Dundee, since 2002. |
