A scheme which aims to reduce teenage pregnancies has today been criticised after it emerged free condoms and sexual lubricant are being given to 13 year olds (file image)
A new NHS scheme offering free condoms and sexual lubricant to children as young as 13 without their parents' knowledge has been criticised by a family group.
The Family Education Trust said the scheme, which aims to cut teenage pregnancies, 'denies' parents the opportunity to 'protect their children' against the consequences of underage sex.
The C-Card scheme is available to 13 to 24 year olds and aims to reduce the number of young people catching chlamydia, and other sexually transmitted infections.
There are various C-Card schemes across England including in most London boroughs, Blackpool, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Nottinghamshire, Medway, as well as in Wales.
The scheme enables young people to get free condoms and sexual lubricant and will be introduced at 30 new venues across West Sussex, including Shoreham, Steyning, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint and Midhurst.
A spokesman for the Family Education Trust campaign group, which has criticised the move, said: '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.'
Young people who are part of the scheme are able to discuss sexual health issues and can use their C-Card to get free condoms.
A C-Card pack is given to those who sign up to the scheme and includes information about the C-Card, how to use a condom effectively as well as 12 condoms and lubricant.
Those aged 16 or over can use the card six times and those aged 13-15 can use the card 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.
C-Card is run by Sexual Health West Sussex, a branch of Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust and the service is commissioned by West Sussex County Council.
The scheme gives free condoms and lubricant to young people aged 13-24 who can register for a C-Card by visiting a registration point.
The scheme gives free condoms and lubricant to young people aged 13 to 24 years old, who are registered for a C-Card. But The Family Education Trust said the scheme 'denies' parents the opportunity to 'protect their children' against the consequences of underage sex
Mother-of-two Sarah Underwood, 42, from Lancing, West Sussex, said she thought 13 was too young for the scheme.
She said: '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.'
The UK has the highest teenage pregnancy rate in western Europe and the latest figures available show more than 1,500 young people in West Sussex were diagnosed with chlamydia in one year.
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.
Those aged 16 or over can use the card six times and those aged 13-15 can use the card three times - after this the card must be renewed
'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.'
The professional would also consider whether the young person's physical or mental health would suffer without the provision of contraception and may be given it if it is considered to be in their 'best interests'.
Friends Keila DocWra and Shannon Neal, aged 21 and 20 from Durrington, near Worthing, West Sussex, say the scheme is convenient and confidential.
Miss DocWra said: 'I think it is a really good idea.
'Once you've got the card you can just go in, pick up some condoms with no questions asked.
'The card is really discreet too because it has no personal information on it.'
Natika Halil, the Family Planning Association's director of health and wellbeing, told MailOnline: 'Young people in the UK remain the group most at risk of sexually transmitted infections and while we have record low rates of teenage pregnancies, our progress continues to lag behind other countries in Europe.
'Health professionals operate under rigorous guidelines and we welcome schemes which prioritise both young people's wellbeing and informed choice.
'Most young people do not become sexually active before the age of 16, but for those that do, it is vital that they are equipped, not just with condoms, but with the knowledge and support they need to stay safe.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2955841/Condoms-sexual-lubricant-given-children-young-13-Scheme-aims-reduce-teenage-pregnancies-STIs-blasted-family-group.html#ixzz3RwNWiP8X
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