An article in the last issue of Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics should make all lawmakers realize something needs to be done urgently. Sadly, I don't see this happening under the present administration unless parents start demanding action.
The results are given of a study by the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. They report that almost 1300 children die each year from gun injuries and 5790 are treated for gunshot wounds. Suicides from guns increased between 2007 and 2014. Also, firearm deaths are higher in some of the Southern and Midwest states. With the tremendous power the NRA has over many of those in Congress, I am not sure how this trend can ever be changed.
I have no problem with people having guns for hunting. My father and my brother both enjoyed occasional hunting. However, there was just no way I would have touched a gun when I was a child. Many parents have guns where children can reach them. They may be in unlocked cases or a child will know how to open a case. Some parents even buy their children a gun. Having watched a child die from a gunshot wound when I was a medical student, that terrifies me. A neighbor may also have guns in an unlocked case or in a place where a child can get them. I hope all parents have a conversation with their children about what to do if they see a gun in a neighbor's home. That conversation could save your child's life.
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