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When is a Young Person’s Consent to Sexual Activity Legal?
Back
to 2005 Annual Report
Submitted by Jane Futcher, RN, MScN
Director of Clinical Services
Young people have the right to provide informed consent when it comes to
their sexual health. This means that youth can receive birth control
and/or treatment for sexually transmitted diseases WITHOUT parental
consent. The Health Unit offers sexual health clinics in all offices and
some high schools. We provide sexual health counselling, birth control
and sexually transmitted infection protection. These clinics are
confidential. All clients are asked questions about their sexual health
and the possibility of abuse. The age chart below indicates questions
that are asked by nurses when interviewing younger clients to ensure
that sexual activity has not been coerced. For more information see
www.laws.justice.gc.ca/en/c-46.
Sexual Activity and Age of Consent
|
Age |
Consent to sexual activity? |
Age of partner |
|
Less than 12 years |
Never | |
12 years
and
under 14 years |
BOTH must give consent.
Neither must be in a position of trust or authority i.e
coach; babysitter etc. |
MAXIMUM 2 years difference
in age AND the older teenager is
UNDER 16 years |
14 years and
under 18 years |
YES
Unless one is in a position of trust or authority |
14 years and under 18 years
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Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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