Tanning Beds in Maryland:

Minors would be prohibited from using tanning beds without parental consent under legislation pending in the Maryland General Assembly. Currently, at least 28 states aregulate tanning facilities for minors.

I was surprised that this bill has been so hotly contested by the Maryland legislature. I realize kids can get a tan by availing themselves to the sun but do we really want to give them the opportunity to expose themselves to these harmful rays year round before they have the opportunity to fully appreciate the risks (skin cancer) in comparision to the benefits (looking better, briefly). Arguably, parental consent should not make a difference. Kids cannot drink or smoke with parental consent because we take away the parents right to consent to the harm. Potential exposure to skin cancer is a similar - if less immediate - risk.