The Arizona Republic publishes commentary from Stuart Warner, "Why does The Republic care about lethal injections?"
Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma and now Arizona are among those experimenting with midazolam. The drug primarily is used to treat insomnia, but it's also used in surgeries to prevent the patient from remembering the unpleasantness of the procedure. I doubt you would remember your execution, but who can say for sure?
Anyway, the results so far haven't been pretty. A midazolam-spiked execution last October in Florida left the accused lingering uncomfortably in death. The press got worse after Ohio and Oklahoma. Oklahoma has already delayed its next execution while it considers the merits of midazolam. The Supreme Court delayed indefinitely an execution in Missouri, which is secretive about its methods but has acknowledged possessing a backup supply of midazolam, according to St. Louis Public Radio.
Lastweek, Arizona gave the go-ahead for Wood's execution. It's the state's job to kill him, but until it does, it's our job to make sure his death is done right.
Earlier coverage from Arizona begins at the link. Also available, more on midazolam.
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