sue axon and journalistic practices
Oh, blogging has got so hard since bloggers were supposed to start following journalistic principles - Mark has already pulled me up on one point in the comments boxes today where he's probably right but I dunno and I know I should check but I can't be bothered. Which is not good journalistic practice.
Equally I'd dearly like to write a post which proves that Sue Axon, the woman currently fighting a battle through courts because she claims that "parents have a "right to know" about sexual health advice and treatment given to their underage children" and that this is more important than young people's right to confidentiality when they go to a doctor or other health professional, is a stupid bitch. But I can't be bothered. Needless to say it's all about abortion really, and doubtless the fact that she suffers 'guilt and shame' at her own abortion 20 years ago gives her the right to stick her ill-informed head into other people's business.
Like I say, I should back all this up but... it's getting late and I'm tired. Sorry.
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2 comments:
We're supposed to start following journalistic principles?
I must have missed this memo!
I sort of commented on this issue last week.
Sky News anchorman Jeremy Thompson's blog is technically sound (it's on typepad) but rather clinical in content. I suppose they're straightjacketed by impartiality and integrity - admirable qualities for journalism, dead boring for blogging.
As to the other topic, I haven't looked into this case in any detail (but I'm going to say it anyway in true blogging style) but I can't think anything more one's business than the health of one's children.
yep, course, but the simple fact is that there are thousands of children whose parents are rather less likely to offer the encouragement and support which Ms. Axon imagines will be the result of them finding out about their children's activities.
The most likely outcome is that children who right now feel able - if probably reluctant - to approach their GP with issues concerning pregnancy or sexual health will no longer regard that as an avenue worth considering. You can't legislate to drive children away from health professionals, it's ridiculous.
As it is GPs spend a lot of time and effort convincing children to talk to responsible adults. In circumstances which they interpret as exceptional they are allowed to breach confidentiality and approach parents.
Making them legally obliged to do so will help middle class kids with nice mums like Ms. Axon and make life a lot harder for other, less lucky, children.
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