Latest Use Of Sedative Keeps Death Penalty Debate Alive

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Is unorthodox the same as cruel and unusual punishment? It’s the central question of the current U.S. death penalty debate, highlighted by the latest execution involving a disputed sedative that appeared to involve discomfort to the inmate. States struggling to find lethal drugs believe they’ve got the answer in midazolam, a sedative that’s taking the place of barbiturates and anesthetics no longer available because drug manufacturers don’t want them used in executions. States that have the drug won’t say where they’ve obtained it, but in recent months have secured enough supplies to carry out or plan executions. But once again, the effectiveness of midazolam has been questioned following executions in Ohio, Arizona and, just this week, Arkansas.