Doctors Say Death Penalty Drugs Could Help COVID-19 Patients On Ventilators

A group of pharmacists, public health experts, and intensive care unit doctors sent an open letter to states that still carry out the death penalty, asking them to release the supply of drugs they use to conduct executions. They said that the drugs, which include midazolam, vecuronium and rocuronium bromide, and fentanyl, are used to sedate and immobilize coronavirus patients who are on ventilators.

A list compiled by the American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists shows that the drugs are in short supply. According to the Associated Press, demand for the drugs increased by 73% in March.

"Your stockpile could save the lives of hundreds of people; though this may be a small fraction of the total anticipated deaths, it is a central ethical directive that medicine values every life," they wrote in the letter. "Those who might be saved could include a colleague, a loved one, or even you."

Many states are hesitant to hand over the drugs because they are worried they may not be able to replenish them, leaving them with no way to execute inmates currently on death row. Many pharmaceutical companies refuse to sell the drugs to states if they plan to use them for executions.

It is unknown how many states, if any, responded to the letter or released their supply of drugs for hospitals to use.

Photo: Getty Images