FP Report -- 1999 Post-Assembly Edition
Violence stirs debate among delegates
Violence and means to prevent it sparked discussion during the Congress of Delegates Sept. 15 in Orlando, Fla. Delegates wrestled with issues under two headings: gun control and violence against physicians.
California delegates Mary Frank, M.D., of Rohnert Park and Leonard Fromer, M.D., of Santa Monica discuss Congress activities Sept. 15 in Orlando, Fla.Gun control. "I respect that for many Americans, and indeed for many of my colleagues here today, guns are part of their culture, part of their way of life," said delegate Mitchell Finnie, M.D., of San Antonio, representing new physicians. "Unfortunately, guns are also part of the culture of children in East Los Angeles, the South Bronx, Chicago, Miami and even in places such as Columbine High School in Colorado."
The Wisconsin AFP and the Joint Constituency (including women, minority and new physicians) proposed several gun control resolutions, most of which won approval. Delegates nixed a proposal to support raising the minimum age from 18 to 21 for licensing guns.
The new policy says the AAFP will:
- support tougher requirements for firearm safety;
- support background checks and waiting periods for all firearm sales;
- develop, promote and distribute patient education materials on firearm safety; and
- oppose private ownership of assault weapons.
A question arose about defining assault weapon. "The common definition of assault weapon is not a penknife or handgun, it's an Uzi," said delegate Mary Frank, M.D., of Rohnert Park, Calif. "In California, we don't know why any citizen would have to have an assault weapon."
The voice vote on the final policy was so close a standing vote was needed.
Violence against physicians. The Congress condemned violence and illegal acts against physicians and other health professionals providing lawful services. Delegates deplored activities interfering with the welfare of patients seeking lawful care. The Congress also condemned the 1998 murder of gynecologist Barnett Slepian, M.D., of Amherst, N.Y., and extended sympathy to his family.
The Congress asked the AAFP Board to try to identify the extent of the problem of violence against family physicians and to develop an educational forum on ways FPs can deal with threats of violence in the workplace.
FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department. Copyright © 1999 by American Academy of Family Physicians.
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