Warning: file_get_contents(https://flatland.tinythunder.dev/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/SQ_Lethal_Injection_Room.jpg): Failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /www/flatlandkc_117/public/wp-includes/class-wp-image-editor-imagick.php on line 156
Todd Feeback | KCPT News
On Friday, Oct. 11, the planned execution of Alan Nicklasson, was stopped by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. Nicklasson was scheduled to be injected with a lethal dose of the drug propofol. This was the first time drug was to be used in an execution. Ordinarily, it is used as an anesthetic. According to an article from the Associated Press, nearly 90% of the nation’s supply of the drug is imported from Europe. The European Union threatened to limit the export of the drug if it was used for executions.
An article in The Kansas City Star says the drug is administered 50 million times each year. A shortage of this drug, mostly manufactured by Fresenius Kabi, a German company, would be disruptive to patients and medical providers. In a statement on their website, The American Society of Anesthesiologists wrote:
“The American Society of Anesthesiologists commends Missouri Governor Jay Nixon on his decision not to use propofol in a manner that may have significantly affected the availability of this medication for the anesthetic care of patients in America. Propofol’s wide-spread patient acceptance and tolerance in procedures requiring anesthesia make this medicine critically important to providing the most optimal outcomes for patients.”
Gov. Jay Nixon issued this statement on Friday:
“As Governor, my interest is in making sure justice is served and public health is protected. That is why, in light of the issues that have been raised surrounding the use of propofol in executions, I have directed the Department of Corrections that the execution of Allen Nicklasson, as set for October 23, will not proceed. I have further directed the Department to modify the State of Missouri’s Execution Protocol to include a different form of lethal injection. The Attorney General will immediately request a new execution date for Allen Nicklasson from the Missouri Supreme Court.”
UPDATE
Oct. 23, 2013
The Missouri Department of Corrections announced on Tuesday the selection of a new drug for executions: pentobarbital. More details in this story by Chris McDaniel.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…