Alabama Switches Execution Drug

Alabama is removing the sedative sodium thiopental from its three drug execution protocol. In its place the state will use the drug pentobarbital, according to the Associated Press. The change was made because of a nationwide shortage of sodium thiopental.

Prisons officials had previously said they would switch drugs after the two executions currently scheduled. But pentobarbital will be used in the scheduled executions of Jason Oric Williams on May 19 and Eddie Duval Powell on June 16, reported the Associated Press.

An attorney for Williams says he will ask the courts to stop Williams' execution because the state is changing its protocol. Alabama joins Oklahoma, Ohio, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana in switching to pentobarbital. Ohio and Oklahoma have used the drug for executions.