Body piercing just got a bit more prickly in New York.
Under a law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, anyone under 18 years old will have to get written permission from their parents or legal guardians before piercing anything on their bodies.
Cuomo and the Legislature overwhelmingly passed the law in June. They say it will reduce infections and the spread of blood-borne diseases. Cuomo said about 20 percent of piercings result in infection.
The measure's sponsors say that about a third of people with piercings get them before they turn 18, and complications like allergic reactions, skin infections, scars and discomfort are common.
Some piercing studios have already required written consent. The law requires owners or operators to keep a signed permission form on file for a year.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
