With the growing acceptance of tattoos around the globe, the laws regulating the body art industry keep chopping and changing – especially in the US.
Hence, it’s little surprise this leads to a lot of confusion about what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to tattoos. This especially relates to tattoo artists who don’t want to break any laws but also their clients who want to be sure they’re getting a tattoo in a legitimate and safe manner.
One question that often pops up reads: is it illegal to tattoo a pregnant woman? Let’s take a look at the current state of affairs in the US.
Note: many countries around the globe will have a completely different take on this issue so it’s important to research the laws in your country before going ahead with the procedure.
Is It Illegal to Tattoo a Pregnant Woman?
If you’re a tattoo artist working in the United States, then the answer is no, it’s not currently illegal to tattoo a pregnant woman since none of the laws that regulate the industry mention anything about it.
With that said, you can still get in trouble for inking a lady who’s expecting if you don’t take the proper precautions. This relates to the minimum age requirement regulated by the vast majority of states in the country.
Most states require that a person be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo, regardless of whether they’re pregnant or not. This is because the decision to make a permanent change to one’s body should only be made by someone who’s considered to be an adult.
- Related Article: Which states allow tattooing at 14?
There are some states, however, that allow minors to get tattoos with parental consent. Most allow minors to get tattoos with parental consent and also require that the tattoo artist have proof of parental consent before starting the procedure – or even the presence of the parent or a legal guardian during the procedure.
It’s Legal but Riskier
So, any reason why you can’t tattoo a pregnant lady? (or shouldn’t)
Even though the practice of tattooing pregnant women is legal across the country, it’s still considered to be risky. This is because the skin of a pregnant woman is more stretched and sensitive than that of a non-pregnant woman, which can make the tattooing process more painful.
Pregnant women are also more prone to developing infections after getting tattoos. This is because the immune system is suppressed during pregnancy, which makes it harder for the body to fight off infection.
So, while it may be legal to tattoo a pregnant woman, it’s generally not considered to be a good idea.
And if you’re a lady thinking about getting a tattoo while pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor first.
