The death penalty is still used in some parts of the United States. A new “execution method” planned to be used on those sentenced to death has recently caused great controversy.Advocates of this technique, known as nitrogen hypoxia, say it is a humane and effective means of capital punishment. Opponents say there is not enough evidence to justify its use.
What is nitrogen hypoxia?
Nitrogen hypoxia refers to the state of anaerobic deprivation by forcing the person to breathe nitrogen gas. Instead of oxygen, the person is given pure nitrogen gas and oxygen is prevented from entering the body. This leads to a state of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) with a decrease in oxygen.
Due to the lack of definitive protocols for nitrogen hypoxia, there are uncertainties regarding its administration and efficacy. But there are some ideas as to what this might entail.
How will the execution be carried out?
The protocol will likely involve putting some sort of mask over the prisoner’s head and giving him 100% nitrogen, thus leaving the person without oxygen. The prisoner will die not by suffocation (which is very painful), but rather slowly asphyxiation. It is stated that this is basically a painless process.
Only three states in the US, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, have allowed the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution. The method in question has never been used, but that could change soon. Experts say this technique has not undergone adequate testing and research.
What does the research say?
Research on nitrogen hypoxia in non-human mammals has led veterinarians and animal health regulators to conclude that this method is unacceptable for euthanasia. Some studies have shown that although dogs lose consciousness within one to two minutes, it takes up to five minutes to die. For people with large bodies, this period may be even longer.
But older studies say the opposite, suggesting that nitrogen hypoxia is “effective, humane, safe, and economically viable as a method of euthanasia.” In short, there isn’t enough evidence to come to a firm conclusion either way. In the shadow of all these ethical, legal and humanitarian debates; If the legal process continues like this, the US could be the first country to officially use nitrogen in the execution chamber.
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