The state of Wisconsin recently repealed a law requiring a 48-hour waiting period for the purchase of handguns. As future health professionals, we are concerned that the lack of a waiting period will lead to an increase in gun-related suicide attempts. This blog contains relevant posts and news supporting our position.
Commentary: Removing a Ban on Gun Control Research
Not being allowed to research gun control hinders our progress on determining policies that might help those who commit handgun-related suicide. In 1996, Congress passed legislation that prevented the CDC from promoting or funding gun control research. A good first step would be to at least allow the topic of handgun control to be researched. The findings from these potential studies would give us more definitive evidence that could go long ways to prevent suicide.