The American Academy of Pediatrics expresses concern following recent reports about the possibility that individuals may be able to print their own “3-D” guns as of August 1. According to press reports, the State Department has settled with an organization that wants to be able to download “blueprints” for firearms so that individuals can print their own plastic, operable guns.
Printing in 3-D plastic would make the firearms untraceable and printing them on one’s own would circumvent criminal background checks. The AAP sent a letter to the State Department and the Department of Justice, urging that they immediately reverse course and prohibit the publishing of the firearm schematics. The AAP is following this issue closely and will continue to explore all options for keeping this decision from moving forward.