The drug propofol has been widely blamed as the cause of death for Michael Jackson in 2009 and now seems to be the drug of choice for Missouri when it comes to inmate execution. Since 1982 state executions have used the three-drug system of execution which is a dose of a barbiturate, paralytic, and potassium solution to first send the inmate into sleep and then to stop the function of their heart and lungs. However, in recent years it has been harder for state executioners to find a barbiturate that is distributed in the US by a manufacturer that approves of the drug used in executions. Because of this Missouri has switched from the three-drug system to propofol, the drug that played its own part in the death of Michael Jackson.
There has been wide concern over the use of propofol in Missouri executions as the drug hasn’t been tested to find out whether or not it offers the inmate a painless and humane death. The use of the drug that caused Michael Jackson’s death has come under scrutiny for Missouri as the state’s execution protocols do not require a physician to be present at the time of the execution to oversee the injection of the drug. Propofol is typically administered by a trained anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist with the direct supervision of a trained and educated physician so that the drug is used correctly.
“This is very, very concerning with a drug that we don’t know, and seeing the problems of the one-drug method,” said Kathleen Holmes, the State Coordinator for the Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
However, the use of propofol may not be in use for long for state executions in Missouri as Fresenius Kabi USA, a German based company with United States office located in Schaumburg, Illinois, has stated adamantly that they will not sell propofol for use in executions in the US. Seeing as how Fresenius Kabi USA is one of only two domestic suppliers of the drug and is the only one that actually distributes to the US, Missouri has now been left with the task of searching for a new drug all over again for lethal injections.
The amount of executions in Missouri and throughout the country has significantly slowed down as state executioners are finding it harder and harder to find drugs that are not only effective in a humane execution, but that are approved for the use from domestic suppliers. Executioners are unable to be supplied the drugs like propofol from European drug suppliers as there are European laws in place that make it illegal to export drugs that could be used in executions.
Whether or not the use of propofol continues to be used in Missouri executions is up in the air at this moment as the drug is both criticized for use in executions and is being denied distribution for use in executions by suppliers. The drug has become more widely known and talked about since it was linked to the death of Michael Jackson and it those sensational conversations look to continue to be just as heated in the future with its use in Missouri executions.
Missouri needs to go to hanging or the firing squad and quite this business of passing the buck. MIssouri needs to do like Florida does with their Justices on the Supreme Ct. When they are appointed they have 6 yrs and then have to be voted on by the citizens. If they don’t get elected the Govenor will appoint new ones.
About 60-90 ccs of air injected intravenously would also be an effective method of execution while saving money on the drugs as well.
Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records. His contributions to music, dance, and fashion, along with his publicized personal life, made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades. The eighth child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene along with his brothers as a member of The Jackson 5 in 1964, and began his solo career in 1971. In the early 1980s, Jackson became the dominant figure in popular music. The music videos for his songs, including those of “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” and “Thriller,” were credited with breaking down racial barriers and transforming the medium into an art form and promotional tool. ..,^,