Use of Propofol in upcoming Missouri executions stirs controversy

See Related Stories

5/13/2009: Radio Story - House Majority Floor Leader asked Governor Nixon for a request today: to commute the death sentence of a convicted killer in Missouri.

2/29/2012: Radio Story - The Senate Government Accountability Committee discussed an audit of the death penalty.

3/ 1/2012: Newspaper Story - An American Bar Association task force presented recommendations to review the death penalty in Missouri.

9/18/2012: Newspaper Story - The use of propofol for lethal injection is considered by some to be a step backwards in human rights.

Intro:	Missouri will become the first state to execute two people using the powerful sedative that killed Michael Jackson.
RunTime:	0:45
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The European Union has strict regulations on the drug Propofol, which could lead to the drug being unavailable to patients on a day to day basis if used in executions.

Dr. Donald Arnold is a board member of the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists. He says he is concerned about the Missouri Department of Corrections using Propofol in state executions.

Actuality:	ARNOLD1.WAV
Run Time:	00:17
Description: "Accordingly, we strongly oppose the Missouri Department of Corrections use of Propofol in lethal injections due to the immediate impact it could have on our ability to safely administer anesthesia during surgery."

Calls to the Department of Corrections were not immediately returned.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.

Intro:	The drug that killed Michael Jackson is set to be used in two upcoming Missouri executions, but some doctors aren't sure it's the best option.
RunTime:	0:37
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The European Union's regulations on Propofol could lead to the drug being unavailable on a day to day basis for patients if used in executions.

Dr. Donald Arnold of the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists says his group's opposition to the use of Propofol in the executions has nothing to do with the death penalty itself.

Actuality:	ARNOLD2.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "From our perspective, the debate is not about capital punishment. Our position, first and foremost, is that we're here to care for patients."

The Department of Corrections did not respond to immediate requests for comment.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.

Intro:	A leading medical group called on the Missouri Department of Corrections to not use the powerful sedative that killed Michael Jackson in two upcoming executions.
RunTime:	0:40
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The letter from the Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists was in response to the European Union warning it could stop shipments of Propofol if it's used for executions in the United States. This could lead to the drug being unavailable for use on a day to day basis for patients in need.

Board member Dr. Donald Arnold hopes the Missouri Department of Corrections will change course.

Actuality:	ARNOLD3.WAV
Run Time:	00:10
Description: "We would hope that there is a pathway forward that would prevent the use of Propofol in lethal injections as currently scheduled."

Calls to the Department of Corrections were not immediately returned.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Steven Anthony.