Suicide rates in Utah have been increasing since 2008 and currently outnumber homicides by a ratio of 8 to 1, according to a report being presented Wednesday to state lawmakers.
And the overwhelming majority (87 percent) of firearm suicides are fatal, compared to low mortality rates for suicide attempts involving drugs or sharp instruments like knives, according to the report.
“If a proportion of Utahns who would otherwise attempt suicide with a firearm were prevented from using a gun, there would likely be fewer suicide deaths,” the report states, “even if those who attempted [suicide] substituted another method.