Victoria Gillick | |
|---|---|
| Born | Victoria D. M. Gudgeon 1946 (age 78–79) Hendon, UK |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Mother |
| Known for | Legal action which she lost in the 1985 UK House of Lords ruling which became known as the "Gillick competence" test |
| Spouse | Gordon Gillick |
| Children | 10 children (five sons, five daughters) |
Victoria D. M. Gillick (néeGudgeon; born 1946, inHendon) is a British activist and campaigner best known for the eponymous1985 UK House of Lords ruling[1] that considered whethercontraception could be prescribed to under-16s without parental consent or knowledge. The ruling established the term "Gillick competence" to describe whether a young person below the age of 16 is able to consent to his or her own medical treatment, without the need for parental permission or knowledge.
ARoman Catholic mother of 10 children (five sons, five daughters), Gillick began her campaign in 1980 in response to aDHSS circular issuing guidance on contraceptive stating a minor could consent to treatment, and that in these circumstances a parent had no power to veto treatment.[citation needed]
In 2000, Gillick lost a libel action[2] against theBrook Advisory Centres, which she claimed accused her of being "morally responsible" for a rise in teenage pregnancies. Costs of £4,298.15 were awarded against her. In 2002, however, she won an apology and damages amounting to £5,000 and costs.[3]
Living inWisbech,[4] she is married toCambridgeshire County Councillor and formerUKIP councillor Gordon Gillick.[5] One of their sons is the painterJames Gillick.
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