Proposal to protect minors

Italy could be the first European state to ban breast implants for minors. In an attempt to curb the popularity of breast augmentation among young girls, members of Parliament presented a proposal for legislation in mid February. If passed, the bill would prohibit all breast surgery for minors except that which has a medical reason. According to current legislation, breast lifts, augmentation and reduction interventions for girls under age18 can be carried out only with parental consent. According to a recent study by the SWG research agency, 36 percent of Italian girls under 18 were unhappy with the way they looked, while 17 percent were specifically concerned about their breasts. The bill would also set up a state register of all adult patients who have undergone breast implants or reduction, in order to track defects and malpractice.