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The Effects of Waiting Periods on Firearm Suicides in the U.S

Author

Listed:
  • Hadah, Hussain

    (Tulane University)

  • Compta, Gael

    (Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University,)

  • Saffouri, Ali

    (. T. Bauer College of Business, Department of Finance, University of Houston,)

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the causal effect of mandatory firearm waiting periods on suicide rates using difference-in-differences methodology. We find waiting periods reduce overall firearm suicides by 12% (0.92 deaths per 100,000), with steeper declines among white individuals (37%) and adults over 55 (40%). We find no evidence of substitution toward non-firearm methods; conversely, repealing these laws increases firearm suicides. Back-of-the-envelope calculations suggest that waiting periods prevent approximately 3,000 deaths annually, generating $41 billion in social benefits. These findings demonstrate that "cooling-off periods" effectively disrupt the transition from suicidal ideation to action by delaying access to lethal means.

Suggested Citation

  • Hadah, Hussain & Compta, Gael & Saffouri, Ali, 2026. "The Effects of Waiting Periods on Firearm Suicides in the U.S," IZA Discussion Papers 18624, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18624
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • K32 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety Law
    • J17 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Value of Life; Foregone Income
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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