New execution drug: Missouri opts for untested propofol

Propofol, the same anesthetic used in the overdose death of pop star Michael Jackson, is now the drug of choice for executions in Missouri, causing a stir among critics who wonder how the state can guarantee a drug untested for lethal injection won’t cause pain and suffering for the condemned. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Propofol, the same anesthetic used in the overdose death of pop star Michael Jackson, is now the drug of choice for executions in Missouri, causing a stir among critics who wonder how the state can guarantee a drug untested for lethal injection won’t cause pain and suffering for the condemned. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

ST. LOUIS — The anesthetic that caused the overdose death of pop star Michael Jackson is now the drug for executions in Missouri. That's causing a stir among critics who say the state can't guarantee a drug untested for lethal injection won't cause pain and suffering for the condemned.

The Missouri Department of Corrections is switching from its longstanding three-drug method to a single drug, propofol, which has never been used in an execution in the U.S.

Until recently, the 33 states with the death penalty used a virtually identical process: Sodium thiopental was administered to put the inmate to sleep, and then two other drugs stopped the heart and lungs. After the makers of sodium thiopental stopped selling it for use in executions, supplies ran out and states began seeking alternatives.

  • Discuss
  • Print

Also in National News

Comments » 0

Be the first to post a comment!

Share your thoughts

Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.

Comments can be shared on Facebook and Yahoo!. Add both options by connecting your profiles.

Features