Should a pregnant girl aged under 16 be allowed to abort her baby without her parents' knowledge?
The issue was reignited after it was revealed a schoolgirl had an abortion arranged by a school counsellor without the mother's knowledge.
Principals are divided on the issue. The law is clear. The 2004 Care
of Children Act means this can happen. But does this make it right?
Advocates argue it is up to each girl about whether to inform her parents. They say the complicated issue of the relationship between them and whether the parents are in fact good parents is an important factor.
Some girls may even be in danger if they tell - the last thing anyone wants is a teenage girl suffering for her mistake.
Or maybe, as with the Rotorua mum who had her baby at 14, staunch cultural beliefs could see families torn apart.
There is also a strong flip side. Some believe it should be mandatory parents are told in all but exceptional circumstances when it comes to teens under 16. Family First says a survey last year found four out of five people believed parents should be told.
Many parents will agree and many will until now have been unaware of this law.
There will always be sensible daughters of good parents who make mistakes. Does this mean that the decent parents of a 13-year-old have no say in the matter?
Secrecy between parents and their children is generally not a good thing. And a decision to terminate a pregnancy is a major one that can have effects that last forever.
In many other areas of society, laws dictate that teenagers are not mature enough to make certain important decisions. Isn't this one of those important decisions? Obviously a pregnant teenager's welfare is paramount but parents should be involved where possible.
This is a complex matter and the law needs overhauling. There needs to be a better system involving counsellors, doctors and judges.
It is critical young people are safe and protected. But this has to be balanced with the rights of parents who are responsible for them.
