Introduction
The topic of contraception and its use by young girls has been an ongoing controversy in recent years, as the fear of population growth has been rampant. Then, however, it was never a question that girls under 16 should not have access to contraceptives, given that the average age for first intercourse between males and females was 14.
What is contraception?
Contraception is a contraceptive device, drug, or medical procedure that interrupts the normal process of conceiving. Many contraceptives come in the form of pills and prevent pregnancy by:
- Preventing sperm from reaching an egg
- Preventing an egg from being fertilized
- Preventing a fertilized egg from being implanted into the uterus (Endometrial Barrier)
Legal provisions for prescribing contraception to girls under 16 in India
There are no legal provisions for prescribing contraceptives to girls under 16 in India. The Pharmacy Council of India has laid down the code of conduct, which all pharmacists follow. According to this code, "in case a patient (male or female) applying for a medicine is found suspicious (in the opinion of the pharmacist), the medicine shall not be dispensed and an entry shall be made in a register maintained for that purpose".
According to the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940, no person below 18 years shall be permitted to purchase any drug from a pharmacy shop/private medical store without obtaining a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
Medical practitioners in India are well aware that there is no legal provision regarding the prescription of contraceptives to girls under 16. Yet, they usually do not hesitate in initiating long-term hormonal contraceptives (such as IUD) or injectables (Depo-Provera). They usually insist that their patients come to them at least four weeks before their next menstrual period for preventative injections.
The practice of prescribing contraceptives for girls under 16 is not a recent one; it has been going on for years with the help of parents, grandparents and guardians.
Should doctors be allowed to prescribe contraception for girls under 16?
It is the state's job to regulate any activity that affects minors. Still, there are certain operations and procedures that a doctor should be able to perform even if they are not necessary. For example, if doctors feel that it is in their patient's best interest, then in such cases, they can prescribe contraception to girls even if they are under 16.
The current legislation states that no one under 16 should receive any operation or procedure without parental consent, including having surgery for cosmetic purposes (breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.), without informing their parents first.
Conclusion
Minors must have easy access to contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and other STDs. However, it is not suitable for children to have free access to contraceptives if they are unwilling to handle the consequences.
There should be a valid reason for doctors to prescribe contraceptives to children as young as 16 as long as the doctor believes that it is in their patient's best interest. Without access to contraceptives, unwanted teenage pregnancies would continue to happen. The state has a duty toward the welfare of its children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it ethical to prescribe contraception to girls under 16?
A1: Ethical issues are always determined according to individual circumstances. In the case of young teenage girls, they have not had time to mature and develop a sense of responsibility. It is therefore not ethical to prescribe contraceptives.
Q2: What are the legal provisions for prescribing contraceptives to girls under 16?
A2: There are no legal provisions that deal with prescribing contraceptives for girls under 16. The law only requires parents to consent for surgeries or procedures performed on irrevocable minors.
Q3: What are the implications of prescribing contraceptives to girls under 16?
A3: The implications of prescribing contraceptives to girls under 16 include risks and side effects that can be serious and even life-threatening. The long-term health effects of the pills are not fully known, and their use is discouraged in women below 18 years of age.
Q4: What is the consensus about prescribing contraceptives to girls under 16?
A4: There is an ongoing debate among medical professionals regarding the use of contraceptives by minors. Contraception can be a safe and effective way to protect against unintended pregnancies, but not all teenagers are ready for this responsibility.
It is also important to remember that contraception must be used in conjunction with other forms of protection, such as male condoms or female condoms, and they may not prevent the spread of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Q5: Aren't there enough non-hormonal contraceptives for teenagers?
A5: There are no non-hormonal contraceptives that are effective for long-term use. The pills can be effective for about three years. It is not safe to take hormonal contraceptives for more than 5–10 years, especially if a woman is prone to hormonal changes or has a history of blood clots or reproductive cancers.
