Mrs Axon regrets an abortion she had 20 years ago

Sue Axon, 50, from Baguley, Manchester, was granted permission to challenge the Department of Health by a High Court judge on Tuesday.

The mother-of-two says parents should have a legal right to know, over-riding a patient's right to confidentiality.

The case is expected to go back to the High Court for a full hearing in March.

Current Department of Health guidelines state that terminations can take place without parental consent.

Doctors are advised to respect the confidentiality of under-16s and allow a termination to go ahead.

Mrs Axon has two daughters, aged 12 and 15.

Her solicitor, Paul Conrathe, told BBC News that she had had an abortion herself several years ago, and that had left her mentally scarred.

"She is saying, 'I simply want to be involved so I can have some input into this area of their upbringing'," he said.

He said she wanted to be able to offer advice to her daughters if they became pregnant, and to support them whatever their decision.