RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 All hail the new flesh: some thoughts on scarification, children and adults
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 607
OP 610
DO 10.1136/jme.2008.027615
VO 35
IS 10
A1 S Oultram
YR 2009
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/35/10/607.abstract
AB Body art as expressed through non-therapeutic bodily modification is extremely popular, with techniques ranging from the commonplace such as ear piercing to the more esoteric forms such as tongue splitting. Scarification is one such body art practice that is becoming popular as an alternative to tattooing and ear piercing. This paper begins by outlining the regulatory problems that scarification poses. It then goes on to argue that although there is a reasonable case for permitting competent adults to make use of scarification, the practice should not be made available to minors.