%0 Journal Article
%T Should we prevent non-therapeutic mutilation and extreme body modification?
%J Bioethics
%D 2008
%A Schramme, Thomas
%V 22
%N 1
%P 8-15
%X In this paper, I discuss several arguments against non-therapeutic mutilation. Interventions into bodily integrity, which do not serve a therapeutic purpose and are not regarded as aesthetically acceptable by the majority, e.g. tongue splitting, branding and flesh stapling, are now practised, but, however, are still seen as a kind of 'aberration' that ought not to be allowed. I reject several arguments for a possible ban on these body modifications. I find the common pathologisation of body modifications, Kant's argument of duties to oneself and the objection from irrationality all wanting. In conclusion, I see no convincing support for prohibition of voluntary mutilations.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I John Wiley and Sons
%@ 0269-9702
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8519.2007.00566.x