COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Nearly two-thirds of the 16 states with active death chambers say they are switching to an alternate execution sedative as supplies of a previously used drug dry up.
The states are making the change even as the replacement drug’s manufacturer argues against its use in capital punishment and some European countries push export bans for such drugs.
A survey of death penalty states by The Associated Press finds 10 states have now switched to pentobarbital or are considering a switch as part of their three-drug methods.
Among those joining the states that previously switched are Alabama, Louisiana and Florida.
South Carolina also is considering using the drug as it prepares for an execution next month.
The sole U.S. manufacturer of the drug being replaced, sodium thiopental, has taken it off the market.
