Tennessee clinicians call for pause in executions after failed lethal injection

Tennessee health workers are urging Gov. Bill Lee to halt executions and remove medical professionals from the process after a failed lethal injection attempt on inmate Tony Carruthers in May. KFF Health News reported that workers tried for more than an hour to establish IV access, including an unsuccessful attempt by a physician to place a central line. Lee ordered the attempt stopped and later granted Carruthers a one-year reprieve.

More than 40 doctors and nurses signed a letter saying state rules requiring healthcare workers’ involvement conflict with medical ethics and American Medical Association guidance, which bars doctors from participating in executions. The clinicians called for a moratorium and a redesign of the protocol. Attorneys for Christa Pike, whose execution was scheduled next, said a platelet disorder could mean she needs a central line. The Tennessee Supreme Court denied her request for a stay, and Lee declined to grant clemency, KFF reported.