Guidelines for professionals who work with sexually active teenagers should be drawn up along with any new legislation on the age of sexual consent, the Crisis Pregnancy Agency has recommended.
After the first meeting of the new board, chairwoman Katharine Bulbulia said such professionals found themselves in a difficult position that needed to be clarified.
"If they refuse to provide services to young teenagers without parental consent, the teenager may not access services. If the professional agrees to see the teenager, without parental consent, it is unclear as to whether or not they are in breach of the law. Professionals need clarity on this."
It also welcomed the announcement that the National University of Ireland Maynooth is to introduce a course in crisis pregnancy skills. Initially aimed at people working in State-funded services, the course is expected to begin next September.
"It will set a common standard in crisis pregnancy counselling practice and will assist crisis pregnancy counsellors in developing their crisis pregnancy counselling skills," Ms Bulbulia said.
She added that she hoped to continue and build on the work of the first board.
