More Execution Drug News – Florida Gets In On The Action

Last Tuesday Florida executed a man.  While not unusual, it was the first time the state used midazolam hydrochloride as one of the three drugs in its usual protocol.  This replaces sodium pentobarbital, the sedative that is the latest drug under scrutiny for its use in executions.  Florida’s supplies of pentobarbital are dwindling, and clearly they lacked sufficient supply for this execution.  There is another one scheduled for later this year, and the state felt it had to find an alternative.

It is not clear whether or not midazolam would serve its intended purpose in the execution – to prevent the condemned man from feeling extreme pain as the other drugs are administered to kill him.  Florida state authorities are confident that it would, but the next person scheduled to die has appealed the use of midazolam on the grounds that it might not.  A hearing is scheduled for November 6.

I don’t know how this is going to eventually turn out.  I think it more likely that drug manufacturers will effectively cut off states rather than a court determine these drugs represent cruel and unusual punishment.  Of course, this is mildly informed speculation, so keep that in mind.