NHS Reportedly Offering Free Condoms & Sexual Lubricant To Children As Young As 13 Without Their Parents’ Knowledge

The NHS is offering free condoms and sexual lubricant to children as young as 13 without their parents’ knowledge.

The purpose of the scheme is to cut teenage pregnancies however the Family Education Trust says the initiative “denies” mums and dads the chance to “protect their children” against the consequences of underage sex.

The C-Card scheme, available to those aged 13 to 24, also aims to reduce the number of young people catching sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia.

The schemes are in place across England including in most London boroughs, Suffolk, Nottinghamshire, Medway, Cambridgeshire and Blackpool.

It exists in Wales and will be introduced at 30 new venues across West Sussex, including Shoreham, Hassocks and Midhurst.

The Family Education Trust campaign group told Mail Online: “The role of parents and carers is vital in protecting young people as they are privy to emotional wellbeing, friendship groups and unusual behaviours.

“They are therefore uniquely positioned to intervene and safeguard. The C-Card scheme denies parents the opportunity to advise and protect their children against the physical and emotional consequences of sex.”

Those who sign up to the scheme get 12 condoms and lubricant plus information on how to use a condom effectively.

Those aged 16 or over can use the card six times and aged between 13 and 15 can use it three times – after this the card must be renewed.

The scheme’s sessions are held at clinics, hospitals and GP surgeries with other locations including a sixth form college.

Mum-of-two Sarah Underwood, 42, from Lancing, West Sussex, told the website: “‘I’m not naive to think information and protection should not be available until 16 and I agree advice needs to be given. But I do think 13 is a little young to get free condoms and that would be a concern for me.”

However, Sexual Health West Sussex lead health advisor, Richard Williams, said: “Providing good access to expert advice and free contraception through the C-Card Scheme improves the sexual health of young people in West Sussex. The registration and review process provides a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space to talk about sex and sexuality with a trusted adult. Registering for a C-Card helps young people of all ages, not just those who are sexually active.”

Source: Mirror