Writhing and gasping: AP reporters view problem executions
April 28, 2017
The sedative midazolam is supposed to prevent condemned prisoners from suffering while they die, but opponents say several problematic executions involving the drug are evidence that it does not work consistently. They raised new concerns after an execution Thursday in Arkansas left the prisoner convulsing and pressing against his restraints.
The drug, normally a surgical sedative, was first used by Florida in 2013 as part of that state's lethal injection protocol after drugmakers began clamping down on the use of other drugs such as sodium thiopental or pentobarbital. Midazolam has also be...
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