A DUNDEE MSP has criticised girls under the age of 13 being prescribed the contraceptive pill and urged NHS Tayside to be cautious over plans to make condoms and the morning-after pill available within walking distance of secondary schools.

Dundee East MSP Shona Robison, who is also the SNP health spokesperson, feels strongly that girls under the age of 13 should not be prescribed the pill for contraceptive purposes, and that they shouldn’t even be given advice on contraception.

She also said there should be more consultation with parents of girls between the age of 13 and 16.

The controversial plans by NHS Tayside have caused a storm in some quarters, particularly among members of the Catholic community.

A three-month consultation was launched by the health board last month.

Researchers at Aberdeen University found that 23 girls under the age of 13 had been given the pill, with two of those under 10 years old, according to data from the 161 GP practices and every family planning clinic across Scotland.

The report covered more than 35,000 girls, with a total of 1376 girls under 15 prescribed the oral contraceptive.

The study has provoked claims that doctors prescribing the pill to girls under the age of 13 are breaking the law, as in Scotland having sex with a girl under the age of 13 is classed as statutory rape.

“There is huge ethical, moral and legal implications involved here,” said Ms Robison.

“Girls under the age of 13 should not be prescribed the pill for contraceptive reasons. There may be medical reasons that warrant such action, but otherwise such young girls should not be given the pill.

“The Tayside health board need to ensure that girls that young are not being given contraceptives, and they really shouldn’t even be given contraceptive advice because they are not capable of consenting to sex.

“With regard to older girls, without being seen to condone under-age sex, the realities of life require that girls get good advice if they are over 13 as we don’t want to see unwanted teenage pregnancies.

“I think there needs to be more consultation with parents. I know parents are concerned about this and they need to be reassured that this is in no way going to encourage girls to have sex.

“Under 13 years of age—there has to be a hard line on that. They are not able to consent to sex at that age. I don’t think we should be giving contraceptives to girls under the age of 13.

“Between 13 and 16 there needs to be a responsible attitude taken where good quality information is given and parents need to be involved in that process.”

However, there are children under 13 having sex, and Ms Robison said that is a problem that needs to be dealt with, but not by handing out contraceptives.

She said, “GPs are supposed to report children under the age of 13 that are having sex to child social workers. I know they (GPs) are in a difficult situation and I have sympathy with them but they have a duty to the children.

“There could be child abuse situations going on and adult men could be preying on these girls.

“Doctors should be following the advice and contact child social workers that can then work with the child.”