Minnesota Doctors Call For Assault Weapons Ban

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Feb. 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida school that left 17 dead has relaunched the national debate over gun violence, and Minnesota doctors are weighing in. The Minnesota Medical Association has called for sweeping changes to gun laws including a renewal of the assault weapons ban, gun research and data collection, and criminal background checks on all firearm purchases.

"The topic of gun violence has been deliberated by the MMA many times over the years," MMA Board Chair Randy Rice said in a statement. "We felt, as do many other organizations, that after the Parkland shooting it was time to formally call this for what it is – a public health crisis."

In the statement released Thursday, doctors noted that gun violence and firearm-related accidents kill more than 30,000 Americans each year. There were more than 400 firearm-related deaths in 2016 in Minnesota alone.

"The recent and relentless mass shootings, as well as the daily toll associated with gun violence and accidents, demand a response," stated MMA. The group said it considers gun violence "a public health crisis and calls on policymakers at the state and national levels to step up and protect our health and safety."

The MMA said it supports "common-sense changes" to gun laws that will promote "safe and responsible gun ownership," including:

• Criminal background checks on all purchases and transfers/exchanges of firearms
• Enforcement of laws that will hold sellers accountable when they sell firearms to prohibited purchasers
• Investment in improved data collection, analysis, and research on firearm injury prevention
• A renewal and strengthening of the assault weapons ban, including banning high-capacity magazines.

The MMA also called for improved access to and coverage of comprehensive mental health services. Most individuals with mental illness are not violent.

"It is important, however, to encourage and support the identification of individuals at risk for violence or self harm," the group said. "Physicians and other health care providers also have a responsibility to talk to patients about responsible firearm ownership and safe storage in the home."

"Few threats to our health and safety can be eliminated, but failure to intervene in the face of this significant epidemic is not an option."

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