Signed Consent Form Required For Teen Body Piercings In New York

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Connie K. Ho for redOrbit.com — Your Universe Online
Teenagers in New York looking to express themselves with body piercings should look for a different method. A new law surrounding body piercing was recently passed by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York Daily News recently reported that teens under 18 in New York will need permission from their parents´ to pierce body parts other than their ears.
In regards to piercings, Cuomo signed a bill that required young adults under 18 to receive written permission from a parent or guardian. Body piercing studios also have to conduct identification checks of teenagers. In particular, those who are under 18 must provide a consent form signed by a parent or guardian and the form must be signed in front of the owner or the body piercing specialist. The bill aims to provide better protection from infections and blood-borne diseases for teens. It was passed by the both the New York Senate and Assembly.
“Body piercing can result in severe health risks and it is our obligation as New Yorkers and parents to make sure that our teens are taking every precaution to remain healthy and safe,” commented Cuomo in a prepared statement. “I thank Senator Robach and Assembly Member Simanowitz for their hard work on this legislation.”
Before the bill was signed, New York law did not provide a minimum age requirement for body piercings. According to the Governor´s Press Office, around 20 percent of all body piercings lead to infection and there are is also the possibility of contracting hepatitis. The law will become in effect in 90 days.
“As body piercings can often result in infection and a permanent scar, it seems logical that parents should be in involved in the decision. This law will help educate both parents and children of the potential risks of piercings and help them make informed decisions together,” remarked Senator Joseph E. Robach, co-sponsor of the bill, in the statement.
“I want to thank the Governor for taking prompt action on signing this important piece of legislation. Body piercings can pose a significant health risk if not cared for properly. This will now ensure that parents are aware of their son or daughter´s intent to receive a body piercing which will hopefully prevent complications such as allergic reactions, skin infections or scarring. There are thirty one states that prohibit body piercing on minors without parental permission and I am now glad to say New York is the thirty second,” remarked Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, co-sponsor of the bill, in the statement.
The new law follows recent controversies regarding other legislation concerning those under 18. According to the Huffington Post, last month, New York passed a law that banned children who are 16 years of age or younger from using indoor tanning beds. A mother who took her six-year-old daughter to a tanning booth was part of the controversy surrounding the new law on tanning beds. Apart from tanning rules, there are regulations regarding tattoos; it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to get a tattoo.