Please find below the links to the recently released AANS/CNS Position Statement on Firearms, and the publication describing the results of the AANS/CNS Washington Committee Firearms Task Force survey on firearms injury.
AANS-CNS Firearms Position Statement FINAL.pdf
Survey of United States neurosurgeons on firearm injury w-appendices.pdf
July 4, 2022
The Pediatric Neurological Surgery Section of the AANS/CNS and the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons represent pediatric neurosurgeons within the United States and include healthcare professionals dedicated to the care of children. Our members come from diverse communities and backgrounds but share a common goal in the protection of children.
Recent mass shootings remind us of the public health crisis related to gun violence. As pediatric neurosurgeons, we are charged with the management of infants, children, and young adults who have suffered gunshot wounds to the brain or spine. While much attention has been recently focused on mass shootings, there is also a steadily increasing trend in firearm violence and self-inflicted gunshot injuries in children.
Leading Causes of Death Among US Children/Adolescents Aged 1-19 years
From N Engl J Med 2022; 386:1955-1956 DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2201761
As organizations, we endorse safe storage practices for those who choose to keep firearms in their homes. Yet these actions by responsible gun owners will not be sufficient to address this public health crisis. We recognize the need for state and federal action to address this issue. We are seeking concrete actions by our legislators aimed at reducing harm to children. Such actions should include:
1) Increased investment in firearm-related violence research in order to better understand the scope of the issue and to identify effective steps in harm reduction.
2) The identification and confirmation of a director for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to provide leadership to this arm of government.
3) Pursuit of bipartisan legislation targeting measures to reduce firearm deaths and injuries to children.
Our organizations recognize that, as neurosurgeons, we are not experts on policy. However, we strongly believe that regardless of political ideology, all Americans value the safety of our children. Wanting children to grow into healthy, happy adults transcends politics and is one of the fundamental principles that guides us as parents, doctors, and human beings. We would welcome the opportunity to share our perspective from the front lines caring for these injuries in order to motivate your efforts on the behalf of our children.
Thank you for your consideration,
Executive committees of the ASPN and AANS/CNS Section on Pediatric Neurological Surgery
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