U.K. to limit export of execution drug widely used in U.S.

[Robbien]

Source: MSNBC

The United Kingdom placed strict export controls on a drug commonly used for executions in the United States following pressure from death penalty opponents who sought to make it more difficult for the anesthetic to be obtained.

"This move underlines this government's and my own personal moral opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances without impacting legitimate trade," Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable said Monday after issuing the order that thiopental must be licensed for export, meaning companies shipping the drug overseas will be required to prove it is intended for medical use, not execution.

. . .

The U.K.'s decision compounds execution problems for the U.S. Earlier this year, Hospira Inc., the only American maker of thiopental, announced it had a shortage of the drug, and wouldn't have more until 2011.

As a result, states have been scrambling for alternative execution options . Oklahoma was granted a judge's approval to use pentobarbital — a drug used in animal euthanasia — for human executions last week, the Journal reported.



Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40431444/ns/world_news-europe/

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Interesting twist on diplomacy. If other countries do not like what the US is doing all they have to do is stop shipping us the needed supplies.

In this death penalty case it is a good thing.

But what's next

[kestrel91316]

1. Great. Now whatever country makes pentobarbital will stop shipping to the US

and we won't be able to EUTHANIZE ANIMALS.

Because I am 99% sure we don't manufacture much at all in the way of pharmaceuticals in the US anymore. They are all imported.

[RC]

2. Drip, drip, drip

The off shoring of our manufacturing is catching up with us, U.S.