> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://goodoil.news/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Under-16s to get Abortions without Parents Knowing?
- URL: https://goodoil.news/under-16s-to-get-abortions-without-parents-knowing/
- Published: 2023-08-20T01:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2023-08-19T00:09:39.000Z
- Author: Guest Post
- Tags: AUS Politics, Health, Law, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2024-07-16 22:22

[righttolife.org.uk](https://righttolife.org.uk/news/girls-under-16-will-get-abortions-without-parents-knowing-if-western-australia-law-change-passes?ref=goodoil.news)

---

Girls in Western Australia will be able to get [an abortion without their parents knowing](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12369535/Abortions-legal-girls-16-without-parents-permission-new-proposed-laws.html?ref=goodoil.news) if a bill before the state’s parliament becomes law.

**New law to allow abortions without parental notification**

The [current law](https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/young-people/your-rights/health-and-your-body-young-people?ref=goodoil.news#:~:text=What%20are%20my%20options%20if%20I%20am%20pregnant%3F) in Western Australia requires an under-16 year old who is still living at home or is dependent on a parent or guardian to inform said person if they are considering an abortion. The parent or guardian must also take part in the conversation between the under-16 and the doctor. However, the final decision still remains with the child.

Now though, the state’s parliament is considering a bill that will make extreme changes to abortion legislation, including removing these requirements from the law.

**Parental consent still needed for ear piercing**

In Western Australia, a child under 16 needs the [written consent](https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/young-people/your-rights/health-and-your-body-young-people?ref=goodoil.news#:~:text=The%20only%20time%20written%20consent%20is%20not%20needed%20is%20if%20the%20young%20person%20is%2016%20years%20or%20older%2C%20and%20the%20body%20piercing%20is%20ear%20piercing.) of a parent or guardian in order to have his or her ears pierced. Similarly, tattoos are illegal for under 16s and require written consent from a parent or guardian if the minor is aged between 16 and 18\. Additionally, the [age of consent](https://www.legalaid.wa.gov.au/find-legal-answers/young-people/sex-and-law/sex-and-consent?ref=goodoil.news#:~:text=What%20is%20the%20age%20of%20consent%3F) in the Australian state is 16.

Right To Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said “It is baffling that parental consent is needed for a child to pierce their ears but, if this bill passes, a child will be able to get an abortion without their parents even knowing.”

“In the case of having their ears pierced, a child is doing something minor to their own body. In the case of an abortion, a person under 16 is doing something major to their own body *and* would be deciding to end the life of another person. The proposed law implies that it is of greater significance for a child to have their ears pierced than to have an abortion.”

“This is evidently untrue. Legal requirements should reflect the gravity of a decision and the choice to end the life of an unborn child is certainly a very grave one”.

[If you enjoyed this article please share it using the share buttons at the top or bottom of the article.](#)

[If you would like to access exclusive Member content or just remove the ads to make your reading experience more enjoyable click here to browse our Membership options.](https://thebfd.co.nz/subscription-plans/?ref=2)