Government Whip Godfrey Farrugia today presented a Private Member’s Bill which proposes an amendment in the Health Law to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to consult a health care professional without the need of their parents' or guardians' consent.

The bill was presented to the clerk of the House of Representatives.

Dr Farrugia was accompanied by government MPs Deo Debattista and Anthony Agius Decelis.

Dr Farrugia told journalists that the bill will help provide more accessible health care to youths. The aim of the bill is to help young people fight preventable lifestyle diseases. He mentioned, among others, issues related to sexual health and addiction.

The bill also calls for doctors to be allowed to prescribe medicine to 16 and 17-year-olds without the parents' consent.