Wednesday's episode of Coronation Street saw schoolgirl Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney), 14, have an abortion without her parent's knowledge.
A number of viewers took to social media to question if a plot error had been made, believing the youngster would have needed parental consent due to her age.
However, as the As the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) states online, Amy's story line could play out in real life.
Underage girls can have an abortion in the UK without parental involvement, and that parents have no legal right to be informed or consulted about their child's abortion.
The BPAS website states: "Although we won't talk with your parents against your wishes, we will encourage you involve a parent or other trusted adult who can support you through the treatment process.
"We don't force young people to tell their parents or carers. Our staff will make sure that you are fully aware of what is involved with abortion treatment."
Crossbench Christian peer, Lord Alton of Liverpool, said: "As a parent myself I can understand why parents around the country have been shocked to learn that their child can be taken away to an abortion clinic for a secret abortion without parents being involved.
"Polling shows a large majority of parents want a law change on this. It's now time for Parliament to begin steps to introduce a parental notification law that will ensure that parents are involved in what can be one of the biggest decisions of their child's lives."
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