third party consent
Last reviewed 01/2018
Written consent from the woman is required for all terminations.
The husband's consent is NOT required when the health of the woman is at risk.
The husband's consent is required when the termination is on the basis of the threat to the health of other children in the family.
The need for the husband's consent is uncertain when termination of pregnancy is proposed on the basis of foetal handicap.
If the mother is single then no permission is required from the father.
No parental consent is required in a single girl aged over 16 years. Conversely, parental consent is essential when the mother is single and younger than 16 years (unless the patient requesting the termination of pregnancy is "Gillick competent" - see linked item below).
No matter what the circumstances, a pregnancy must not be terminated contrary to the will of the mother.
consent in child under 16 years old (including reference to Gillick competence)