ACOG Applauds U.S. Surgeon General for Making Gun Violence a Public Health Priority

Washington D.C.-The following is a statement from Stella Dantas, MD, FACOG, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:

"The U.S. surgeon general today announced what we as obstetrician-gynecologists have long understood: that gun violence is a public health crisis. Obstetrician-gynecologists care for patient populations that disproportionately experience intimate partner violence and research has shown that homicide is the second leading cause of injury-related deaths for pregnant and postpartum individuals. Most of these homicides are carried out with firearms.

"Through our advocacy work, ACOG has long supported an evidence-based public health approach to gun violence that emphasizes prevention, education, and safety. Earlier this month, ACOG signed a letter to Congress advocating for federal support to reduce firearm-related incidents and invest in rigorous prevention research that will inform strategies to avoid preventable injuries and deaths.

"ACOG applauds Surgeon General Vivek Murthy for making this issue a priority and for calling specific attention to the populations that are most vulnerable to gun violence. We know that gun violence disproportionately affects communities of color, people with low income, and other historically marginalized patients.

"Obstetrician-gynecologists play a critical role in helping to prevent gun violence. By conducting routine screening, offering ongoing support, reviewing referral options, and supporting prevention initiatives, we hope to make a difference in the health and safety of all people seeking obstetric and gynecologic care and their families and communities."