Missouri Execution Drug Source Raises Concerns

06:37

January 13, 2014

The governor of Missouri has adopted a controversial execution method for inmates on death row. The state is using pentobarbital, a sedative commonly used by veterinarians to euthanize animals.

Investigations by St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon have revealed that the state is buying the drug from a compounding pharmacy in Oklahoma. The pharmacy isn't regulated by the FDA or licensed in Missouri, raising ethical, as well as legal, questions.

St. Louis Public Radio reporters Chris McDaniel and Véronique LaCapra join Here & Now's Sacha Pfeiffer.

Related: Missouri Hides Identity Of Execution Drug Supplier

Reports By St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri Lawmakers Call For Investigation Into State's Execution Method (Jan. 12)
Inmates' Lawyers Ask Mo. Board Of Pharmacy To Act Before Execution (Jan. 2)
Investigation: Missouri's Execution Drug Source Raises Legal, Ethical Questions (Dec. 31)

Guests

Chris McDaniel, political reporter for St. Louis Public Radio. He tweets @csmcdaniel.
Véronique LaCapra, science reporter for St. Louis Public Radio. She tweets @KWMUscience.

This segment aired on January 13, 2014.

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