THIRTY-TWO girls under the age of 16 have had an abortion in Jersey in the past seven years, four of them without the knowledge of their parents.

The president of Health and Social Services, Senator Stuart Syvret, released the figures yesterday in answer to a written question tabled in the States by Trinity Deputy David Crespel.

He also revealed that no terminations had been carried out in the Island on girls under the age of 14 since the Termination of Pregnancy (Jersey) Law came into force in 1997.

The Health president said that there were no age restrictions on whether a girl could have an abortion or not – they just had to comply with a series of guidelines.

‘When consulted by a minor requesting abortion, or any other procedure, the doctor will consider whether the young woman understands the potential risks and possible longer-term effects of the proposed termination or treatment; consider whether the young woman has sufficient maturity and competence to make this decision and give a valid consent; make every attempt to encourage the young woman to discuss her situation with her parents; but provide reassurance that confidentiality will be maintained.’ He added that the importance of support before and after the termination would be discussed with the girl, and young women under the age of 16 had to have mandatory counselling.

‘This pre-decision process provides women with a higher standard of care than that available in the United Kingdom.’