Firearms Legislation and Reductions in Firearm-Related Suicide Deaths in New Zealand

The impact of more restrictive firearms legislation on firearm suicide in New Zealand was examined. National suicide data were examined for 8 years before & 10 years following the introduction of the legislation. After legislation, the mean annual rate of firearm-related suicides decreased by 46% for the total population, 66% for youth (15-24 years), & 39% for adults. The fraction of all suicides accounted for by firearm-related suicides also reduced for all 3 populations. However, the introduction of firearms legislation was not associated with reductions in overall rates of suicide for all 3 populations. (25 refs.)