IN THE TRACE OF INK
Tattoo industry
A deputy from the MHP party proposed a regulation that would classify tattooing and piercing minors under the age of 18 as 'intentional bodily harm'.
MHP deputy Zuhal Karakoç submitted a bill to the Turkish Grand National Assembly proposing that actions such as tattooing, piercing, and various cosmetic procedures that cause permanent changes to the bodies of children under the age of 18 should be considered as intentional bodily harm.
IMPRISONMENT FROM ONE TO THREE YEARS
According to the proposal submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly, anyone who performs tattoos, piercings, or any kind of aesthetic procedure such as Botox or fillers on a child, which leaves permanent marks on the body and is done by injecting dye under the skin or similar methods, without a medical necessity or without the written consent of their legal representative and without the legal representative being personally present at the time of the procedure, will be sentenced to imprisonment for one to three years.
"PROCEDURES THAT LEAVE PERMANENT SCARS AND ARE DIFFICULT TO REVERSE..."
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill included the following statements:
"Considering the physical and psychological developmental processes of children, it is undeniable that they need special protection regarding interventions that have permanent consequences on their bodily integrity. Tattoos, piercings, Botox, fillers, and all kinds of aesthetic procedures are processes that involve injecting dye under the skin or puncturing body tissue, leaving permanent scars and being difficult to reverse."
Temporary, volitional decisions made by children during their developmental stages can lead to difficult-to-rectify situations later in life, resulting in psychological problems and serious health issues. Furthermore, such permanent interventions can hinder their entry into certain professions they might wish to pursue in the future, such as military personnel, law enforcement officers, or intelligence specialists, causing them to suffer a loss of rights in adulthood.
The legislation does not explicitly or specifically penalize interventions against the bodily integrity of children. This Bill prioritizes the best interests of the child, clarifies the boundaries of interventions against bodily integrity, strengthens the monitoring mechanism by requiring the consent and direct participation of the legal representative, and increases deterrence for acts committed within the scope of commercial and professional activities, thereby safeguarding public health."
Updated: 06.03.2026 17:47:00
