About sex

I'm fairly sure my son Wiremu, who is 14, and his girlfriend Faith, who is 16, are having sex. Is this legal?

No. Under the Crimes Act, the age of consent for boys and girls is 16. It is illegal for Faith to have sex with Wiremu.

I found condoms in my 15-year-old daughter Mereama's school bag. She says she bought them at the local supermarket. Can they sell contraceptives to teenagers?

Yes. Anyone may legally buy over-the-counter contraceptives from a chemist or supermarket. Mereama could also get a prescription for an oral contraceptive (the pill) without your consent, but as she is under 16 the doctor must be satisfied that this would be in the interests of her health.

My daughter Hayley, who is 15, is pregnant and is considering her options. Is it legal for her to have an abortion?

Yes. A female of any age has the right to consent to or refuse a lawful abortion. Neither parent can demand that Hayley have an abortion, or stop her from having one.

My daughter Melissa, who is 16, is pregnant. She and her boyfriend Jack, the father, are unsure of their rights and responsibilities.

If your daughter has a baby, the father must help to pay for the child. If necessary, the Inland Revenue Department can use the Child Support Act to make him. If Melissa was under 16, you would be legally obliged to provide her with food and shelter.

Melissa and Jack may be entitled to receive an allowance or benefit during the pregnancy and for some time afterwards. They should contact Work and Income New Zealand early for more information, as eligibility varies widely depending on the circumstances.