New execution models evaluated by some states

Some states are looking at new execution methods, such as nitrogen hypoxia, after problems have come to light with the use of lethal injection.

Lethal injection was first used in 1982 in Texas. Currently, Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have authorized nitrogen gas as an alternative, despite it never being used and not being properly tested according to some. The alternative came into play due to executions not going as planned. Examples include executions being put off because of issues sourcing the drugs needed, problems with needles becoming disengaged, and problems finding usable veins in the person who is set to be executed.

Nitrogen gas used for this purpose causes nitrogen hypoxia by forcing the prisoner to only breathe nitrogen through a mask, thereby starving the bodily systems of oxygen. Alternative forms of execution authorized by some states include the use of other types of lethal gas, hanging, electrocution, and even death by firing squad. The sedative midazolam has also been authorized in some places. No states have used Nitrogen hypoxia to carry out a death sentence, but on Thursday, January 25th, Alabama will be the first state to use it for this purpose, since its authorization in 2018.