Resolution being submitted to CMA
Addressing America’s Gun Violence Crisis
WHEREAS, the United States is facing a gun violence epidemic, with firearms now the top cause of death for children three years in a row[1] signaling a critical national crisis; and
WHEREAS, the fundamental right to life for all Americans can be undermined by the unfettered availability and easy access to automatic firearms, which fuel the rising prevalence of gun violence causing severe injuries, lasting disabilities and premature deaths; and
WHEREAS, our nation's growing dependence on advanced security measures[2] implies a path toward a dystopian future marked by the constant mobilization of military units, armored vehicles, and extensive surveillance systems, cumulatively undermining our civil liberties and ironically escalating the use of automatic firearms; and
WHEREAS, a significant majority of Americans, including firearm owners,
[3] agree there is a growing divergence from the Second Amendment’s core principles[4] regarding civilian possession of military-style weapons;[5] and
WHEREAS, our leaders' habitual inaction, alongside reactionary and narrow-focused strategies employed, has led to a rapid erosion of the Second Amendment’s core objective, transforming its noble purpose into a pretext for unconstrained gun ownership; and
WHEREAS, the principles enshrined in our Declaration of Independence[6]and Preamble bestow upon the citizenry the power to instigate reform when governmental protections falter;
and
WHEREAS, medical professionals have historically partnered with governmental bodies to combat public health crises such as malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and Covid19, setting a strong precedent for collective action; and
WHEREAS the California Medical Association is recognized for its longstanding and evolving positions on gun use and ownership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the current epidemic of gun violence demands a cohesive and robust response to diminish its toll, through a coalition of healthcare professionals and government bodies in united action; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that this campaign, grounded in shared ethical responsibility and the courage to act for the betterment of society, must engage healthcare experts morally compelled to openly work with legislators, incorporating medical knowledge into the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at reducing gun violence; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that healthcare professionals, using their expertise, can highlight the complex health effects of gun violence, helping to create compassionate, comprehensive and effective policy solutions; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED,
that from its position of historic leadership on this issue, the California Medical Association joins the growing national colaition of doctors for gun safety[7] in spearheading a statewide medical education initiative focused on the health ramifications of gun violence, leveraging medical insights to raise public awareness, foster informed discussions and catalyze proactive remedies to reverse the rising trend of gun violence in society.
[1]
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.05.029
[2]
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/299835.More_Guns_Less_Crime
[3]
https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/poll-most-in-us-say-they-want-stricter-gun-laws/
[4]
https://ssrn.com/abstract=2549244
[5]
https://www.vpc.org/studies/militarization.pdf
[6]
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-654.pdf
[7] https://doctors4gunsafety.org/
