Medical Questions » Contraception Questions » Question No. 216
| Question: | My 14 year old daughter has a very steady 18 year old boyfriend. She insists on seeing him and I am frightened she might get pregnant. Is she too young to go on the pill? |
| Answer: | There are moral, legal and medical problems in this question, and I wall restrict my answer to the medical one, but be aware that the age of sexual consent in all Australian states is 16.
It would be unwise to use the oral contraceptive pill on a girl who has not finished growing, and has not had her periods for at least a year. If she does not have these or any other of the medical reasons not to use the pill, she can take it on a regular basis.
The pill is only available on prescription, and the doctor concerned will certainly discuss the matter in more personal detail with you. It may be that the barrier forms of contraception would be more appropriate in this situation.
Contraception is certainly better than pregnancy at this young age, but hopefully you and your daughter will be able to discuss the matter further with the help of your doctor or a child guidance officer at the school.
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