Dear Mrs. Gillick,
Thank you for your letter of 28 January enclosing a petition from your group “Parents in Suffolk” .
Patrick Jenkin, Secretary of State for Social Services, is aware of the deep concern which has been expressed on this difficult issue of contraceptive advice for young people under 16. As you will know, he is carefully reviewing the Guidance issued in 1974 by his Department to health authorities, and intends to make a statement shortly.
I entirely sympathise with your concern for the welfare of young people and with your belief in the crucial importance of family life. I agree that, ideally and wherever possible, the family unit should be the first source of support and advice to young people faced with the problems of growing up and with all the pressures to which they can be exposed. I know that this view is shared by the Secretary of State and that in his review he is paying particular attention to the points which you have set out so clearly in your letter.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Thatcher