Study Shows Link Between State Gun Laws and Pediatric Firearm Deaths

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that states with more permissive gun laws experienced a significant increase in pediatric deaths from firearm injuries between 2011 and 2023. In contrast, states with stricter gun laws did not see a similar rise in fatalities. Researchers grouped states based on their gun laws into three categories – most permissive, permissive, and least permissive. States with the most permissive laws had over 6,000 excess deaths, while those with permissive laws had 1,500 more deaths than expected. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying specific laws that can effectively prevent gun deaths in children and teens, such as child access prevention laws. (Npr)