Pediatricians take on gun lobby – carefully
By Maggie Fox, Senior Writer, NBC News
14 hours ago
To pediatricians, gun control is a public health issue, not a political one. But they're treading a fine line, and they know it.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has begun a renewed push to try to get Congress to pass gun control measures, sending more than 100 pediatricians to Capitol Hill earlier this month. But others who have taken on the issue over the past decade have a warning for them: they can run afoul of the National Rifle Association and other pro-gun groups that are quick to paint anyone who advocates for gun control as a political extremist.
What the doctors want is an assault weapon ban, mandatory background checks and waiting periods before all firearm purchases, a ban on high-capacity magazines, handgun regulations and requirements for safe firearm storage under federal law.
I think we can be honest brokers, says Dr. Lolita McDavid, medical director for child advocacy and protection at University Hospitals, part of Case Western Reserve Universitys school of medicine in Cleveland.
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