Medicine and Science from The BMJ

Getting science into policy for gun control and NHS reform

Oct 12, 2024

Louis Klarevas, a research professor at Columbia University and author of "Rampage Nation," dives deep into the intricacies of gun control policy. He discusses the historical evidence vacuum in the U.S. and how grassroots movements are driving change. Klarevas emphasizes the power of data in advocacy while revealing challenges posed by misinformation and lobby influences. The conversation highlights the potential of citizens' assemblies to inform pivotal debates in gun regulation and NHS reform, illuminating a path forward for evidence-based policy.

21:34

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Episode guests

Louis Klarevas

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Quick takeaways

Stricter gun access laws lead to fewer gun-related deaths, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based advocacy for policy change.

Citizens' assemblies can effectively engage public opinion in healthcare discussions, fostering informed decision-making and enhancing democratic participation.

Deep dives

Emerging Evidence on Gun Control

Recent findings indicate that states implementing stricter gun access laws see a significant decrease in gun-related deaths. Research shows that background checks, waiting periods, and mandatory training contribute to the reduction of firearm harm. As states adopt more stringent regulations, natural experiments allow a comparison between permissive and restrictive policies, further establishing the effectiveness of these measures. This evidence bolsters advocacy efforts for change and highlights the need for data-driven discussions in gun policy reform.

Intro

2min

Navigating the Gun Control Landscape

11min

The Impact of Data on Gun Safety Advocacy

2min

Empowering Citizens: The Role of Assemblies in Policy Making

5min

Enhancing Communication of Scientific Findings in Public Deliberations

2min

Exploring the Intersection of Healthcare and Climate Change

3min

How science can be transformed into policy?

One of the seemingly intractable issues when it comes to legislative change in the US is gun control. One reason policy change is so difficult, is the US specific evidence vacuum, but that’s beginning to change.

We're joined by Louis Klarevas, an academic at the University of Colombia and author of the book “Rampage Nation, securing america from gun violence" and Shannon Watts, from Moms Demand Action which is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.

Even when there is evidence, the trade-offs needed for legislative change can still paralyse policy makers. Citizen assemblies, a form of democratic participation that asks the public for their views, has helped clarify some key healthcare issues, from assisted dying in Jersey, to abortion access in Ireland.

Rebecca McKee from the Institute of Government argues they could be used to fix the NHS, and joins us to explain how.

Reading list

More gun regulation, less firearm harm

Citizens’ assemblies, health, and health policy