Commonwealth Policy Center

Why are many states stricter on giving minors tattoos than allowing sex transition procedures? California, a sanctuary state for transgender children, forbids minors from getting tattoos until they turn 18. Washington and Oregon both permit minors to alter their biological physiology. Yet both states ban tattoos for anyone under 18. Although Nevada allows minors to receive tattoos with parental consent, Jim Riley of Innervision Tattoo refuses to tattoo them, rightly recognizing their potential future regret. He says, “Let’s face it, when we’re teenagers we don’t have the foresight to know what we will like when we are in our 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.” High doses of hormones can result in sterilization and serious health issues, and unlike covering up an unwanted tattoo, have life-long negative effects.