Dave Kopel on Doctors and Your Gun Rights

In the new America's First Freedom, Independence Institute research director Dave Kopel writes about the growing practice of physicians asking their patients about gun ownership and gun storage practices. In the article, Kopel shares the stories of patients who have answered these questions and then been subjected to visits from Child Protective Services.

In San Francisco, a man honestly answered his doctor’s questions about whether there were guns in the home. A short time later, Child Protective Services arrived at the residence, and demanded to be let inside so that they could inspect whether the guns were locked up.

There are also instances when patients refused to answer, and had their doctors end their doctor-patient relationship.

In Ocala, Fla., Amber Ullman took her 4-month-old baby to a pediatrician for shots and a checkup. When she refused to answer the gun question, the doctor terminated the relationship and the mother was given 30 days to find a new pediatrician.

Earlier this week, Kopel appeared on Sportsman Channel's NRANews Cam and Company to discuss the article.

USA Today Story on Firearm Injuries is Incomplete

USA Today is reporting this story that repeats a familiar theme of the gun ban lobby, "the safest home is the home without firearms."  It does appear however that those attempting to use statistics to infringe on our rights have started to learn from past mistakes.  Usually, when they talk about "children" injured by firearms, they included people under the age of 20, the high range of which most people would not consider children.  So, you will note in the headline to the story they have now changed the term to "young people."

Let's be serious. When you get to the age range with the most "injuries," the 15-19 age group, you are talking about a lot of gang bangers, as the graphic below shows that the overwhelming cause of injury in that group is assault. 

Source: "Pediatrics" journal for February. 1 - Most recent figures available. Age unknown for 112 victims.

Janet Loehrke and Anne R. Carey, USA TODAY

Doesn't make it any less tragic, but it does put the number in perspective. The fact is, fatal firearms accidents are down 45% since 1993 according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

The study was just another attempt to push for gun control using a "Public Health Cost" argument.