This is a Story about Stupidity, Profit Before People, and Hundreds of Preventable Deaths Each Year

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

 This is one of the headlines from Ohio today, June 22, 2023. One I have seen far too often.

“2-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots And Kills Pregnant Mother After Finding Gun, Police Say”

Prior to 1976 when the NRA became a lobby for gun manufacturers and gun sellers, there was a free pamphlet offered to everyone suggesting measures to safely store guns inside the home. It no longer exists. The instructions were simple and would prevent one of the biggest problems in America today.

The NRA, a gun safety organization, suggested keeping all guns stored in the home unloaded. Most importantly, the weapon and its ammunition should be locked and stored in separate locations. 

“Laura Ilg, 31, was 33 weeks pregnant when she called police Friday afternoon to report that her son got a hold of a gun and shot her in the back, Norwalk police said in a press release published by local newspaper the Norwalk Reflector.

“Responding officers kicked down the front door to find Ilg still conscious with her toddler in the main upstairs bedroom, next to a handgun.”

The young woman was rushed to a hospital, and doctors performed an emergency “C” section. The child did not survive. Several hours later Laura passed away.

Before I continue with my story, I must inform you of a fact which confuses me. There are no national statistics defining the number of deaths resulting from children obtaining access to loaded guns and the deaths of the child his or herself, another child, or an adult victim. Only local news accounts for these preventable and unforgivable tragedies. Estimates of these tragedies range from 250-350 each year.

The death of Laura Ilg and her unborn child was easily preventable. The loaded gun belonged to the father, and was obviously easily accessible for the two-year-old boy. This is unquestionably an act of negligent homicide. 

History proves that the father will never be punished for his part in the deaths of his wife and unborn child. This is America in the 21st century, filled with gun nuts and a government more concerned with the profits of those involved in the gun industry than the safety of innocents.

Op-ed by James Turnage

Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pregnant-mother-killed-toddler-gun-accident_n_6493658be4b0aec6b7fe3794

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