Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently signed reforms to the state’s gun laws, expanding provisions allowing judges to temporarily seize firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. Gun-rights advocates are suing and seeking to overturn the law, claiming it unfairly targets gun owners. The law, known as extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) has been effective in preventing suicides involving firearms. A recent study found that 17-23 ERPOs were needed to prevent one suicide. In Massachusetts, 453 people died by suicide in 2021, with firearms being the second most common method among men. The Massachusetts Medical Society has called gun violence a public health emergency and advocates for evidence-based interventions. Governor Healey believes the state’s strong gun laws save lives, especially the ERPO statute, and signed new legislation to strengthen it. In the face of continuing suicides by firearms, experts recommend interventions to keep guns out of the hands of those at risk of harm. In a national effort, some are working to overturn red flag laws, including in Massachusetts, where the new legislation takes on “ghost guns” and expands the assault weapons ban. The ongoing debate highlights the importance of finding a balance between gun rights and public safety in addressing the issue of gun violence.
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