Nitrogen hypoxia, an untested method of execution,
is being used for the first time on a convicted
killer in Alabama.
Here is what we know now.
What is nitrogen hypoxia? Nitrogen hypoxia is an untried execution
method in which a death row inmate is deprived of
oxygen until they only breathe nitrogen,
which in theory would kill them by asphyxiation,
basically. What are the ethical questions surrounding this method of
execution?
Yeah, some have expressed concern that Kenneth Smith in this
case would suffer a painful and prolonged death if the
nitrogen in fact does cause his death at all.
These critics point out that the nitrogen gas could cause
him to have a seizure,
it could cause him to vomit and effectively choke on
his vomit and kill him that way,
and it could in fact also not even kill him
at all and put him in a vegetative state.
Why are states moving on from other forms of execution?
Alabama is the third state,
along with Oklahoma and Mississippi,
that's authorized the use of nitrogen gas execution.
And these states all started to approve the use of
nitrogen hypoxia after failed or botched lethal injections.