Bracing for the Impact of Expanded Second Amendment Rights

Abstract

The author offers insights on the potential impact of the expanded second amendment rights on healthcare delivery considering the ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in McDonald v. Chicago declaring that the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment included the right of individuals to possess firearms at home for self-defense. She believes that the cost of gun violence is prohibitive and calls on physicians to address gun issues with patients. She contends that the second amendment increases the risks of homicide, suicide, accidental injury and death.