Alarming rise in the Pill for pre-teens

In 2009 the oral contraceptive was precribed to more than 1,000 girls aged 11 and 12, usually without their parents' knowledge. Another 200 aged between 11 and 13 were given long-term implanted or injectable contraceptive devices on the NHS.

Under the laws of patient confidentiality, parents have no right to be told if their daughter is being given the Pill.

The data doesn't show why GPs prescribed the Pill, which can be used to treat heavy periods and severe acne. However, Professor Steve Field, the chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said there was no evidence that prescriptions for menstrual problems or spots were increasing. He said the rise in contraception among young girls reflected "improved sex education" and access to doctors rather than a rise in sexual activity.

Article from the Daily Mail.