A new law signed by the governor Monday will protect teenagers from the health risks of body piercing in New York state. On July 30, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law a bill that requires minors to have written parental consent in order to obtain a body piercing.
Hepatitis can be contracted from body piercing, and approximately 20 percent of body piercings result in infection, according to the Governor's Office. This new law protects minors from these dangers by requiring a parent's written consent and proof of identification for all body piercings.
"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," said Cuomo.
Before this bill was signed, there was no minimum age requirement for body piercing in New York state.
"As body piercings can often result in infection and a permanent scar, it seems logical that parents should be involved in the decision," said Sen. Joseph E. Robach, R-Rochester, a co-sponsor of the bill.
A body piercing is any piercing other than the ears.
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