Doctors, the Death Penalty, and Lethal Injections

Abstract

In recent years, U.S. public support for capital punishment has increased and some states now permit execution by lethal injection. The American Medical Association and several state medical associations have condemned the participation of doctors in administering or supervising the administration of such injections, while allowing physicians to examine the executed person and declare death. Despite these restrictions and some legal attempts to bar the use of prescription drugs for lethal injections, the authors predict that execution by injection, with some physician involvement, will soon be a reality in this country. (KIE abstract)