Safeguarding under 13 — DRCOG MCQ

Correct answer: D — Provide emergency contraception and STI care while explaining confidentiality limits and initiating child safeguarding that day

Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · D = shown as B · E = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E

C is correct. Sexual activity involving a child under 13 raises a serious safeguarding concern and statutory processes must be followed, regardless of how she labels the encounter. This must not obstruct urgent pregnancy prevention, STI assessment, forensic options where relevant, or compassionate care. The clinician should explain at the outset that confidentiality cannot be absolute, share only necessary information, assess coercion and immediate danger, and involve the safeguarding lead urgently. D makes parental consent a prerequisite and delays care. E treats Fraser competence as cancelling safeguarding duties. A makes social-care authorisation a condition of treatment. B risks intimidation, contaminates the assessment and delays both care and protection.

Reference: FSRH: Contraceptive choices for young people: https://www.fsrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/fsrh-guideline-contraception-young-people-may-2019.pdf GMC 0–18 years: Sexual activity: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/0-18-years/sexual-activity GMC 0–18 years: Principles of confidentiality: https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/0-18-years/principles-of-confidentiality