Judith Collins MP for Clevedon

21 October 2004

PM won't help pregnant girls

The Prime Minister is refusing to co-operate on reform that will help vulnerable pregnant girls in abusive or dangerous environments, says National MP Judith Collins.

Ms Collins wrote to the Prime Minister asking for her to put the interests of such girls first, and to work with her on proposed law changes for under-age pregnant girls.

Ms Collins said Associate Justice Minister David Benson-Pope, responding also on behalf of the Prime Minister, wrote to her yesterday dismissing not only the problems facing girls, but also her attempts to improve support for vulnerable girls.

He claimed the current law had 'worked well for the last 27 years'.

"By simply dismissing the fact that a problem exists, the Prime Minister and her Minister are turning their backs on girls who need their help."

Ms Collins says the current law allows for girls, who, for example, have been sexually abused, to return to an abusive environment with no questions asked.

"Many girls have parental support through this difficult time, but some don't and we need to make their best interests paramount."

Ms Collins' revised proposal would allow a Family Court judge to be notified in writing if the girl did not want her parents informed. That notification would include any information regarding the girl's safety and welfare, so that the appropriate authorities could be alerted to any danger to the girl.

ENDS

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