Study: More gun laws, lower gun mortality

(CNN) -- A new study suggests that tougher gun laws could lead to fewer gun deaths.

States with the most gun laws have a lower rate of firearm deaths, according to researchers at Boston Children's Hospital.

Researchers found states with the most laws have 40 percent fewer firearms deaths compared to states with the least laws.

Similarly, researchers found states with more gun laws had fewer firearm-related suicides.

Authors of the study acknowledged that they showed only an association between more laws and fewer gun-related deaths.

They say the research did not actually prove that more firearm laws translate into fewer deaths.

The study comes as lawmakers look for ways to reduce gun violence.