Alabama has executed Alan Eugene Miller, the second inmate known to die by nitrogen gas

Alabama is poised to conduct the second execution using nitrogen gas, a method that has sparked significant debate and controversy. This execution method, known as nitrogen hypoxia, involves replacing the breathable air with pure nitrogen, leading to death by asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen. Alan Eugene Miller, convicted of a 1999 triple homicide in Pelham, Alabama, is scheduled for execution under this method. The state previously attempted to execute Miller via lethal injection but failed due to difficulties in establishing an IV line. Consequently, both parties agreed to use nitrogen gas for any subsequent execution attempts.

The first execution using nitrogen gas in the United States was carried out in January 2024 on Kenneth Smith. This marked a significant shift in execution methods as states grapple with the challenges of sourcing lethal injection drugs. However, Smith's execution was fraught with controversy; witnesses reported that he experienced seizure-like convulsions and gasped for breath for several minutes. Despite these observations, Alabama officials, including Attorney General Steve Marshall, defended the method as humane and reliable.

The introduction of nitrogen gas as an execution method has been met with both support and criticism. Proponents argue that it offers a more humane alternative to lethal injection, which has been plagued by issues such as botched executions and drug shortages. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and other state officials assert that the method has been thoroughly vetted and is ready for implementation.

However, opponents raise significant ethical and practical concerns. Critics argue that the method remains largely untested and lacks transparency. Witnesses of Smith's execution described it as prolonged and distressing, prompting calls for further scrutiny before additional executions are conducted using this method. Human rights organizations have also voiced concerns, warning that nitrogen hypoxia could constitute torture under international human rights treaties.

The secrecy surrounding Alabama's nitrogen hypoxia protocol has exacerbated these concerns. The state's refusal to disclose detailed information about the execution process has drawn criticism from legal experts and human rights advocates who emphasize the need for transparency in government actions. This insistence on secrecy is viewed as inconsistent with democratic values that prioritize accountability.

Despite these controversies, Alabama is moving forward with Miller's execution and has scheduled another nitrogen gas execution for November 2024. This decision highlights a broader trend where states are exploring alternative execution methods amid ongoing challenges with lethal injection protocols.

The use of nitrogen gas for executions remains a contentious issue in the United States. While some states like Oklahoma and Mississippi have approved its use, others are closely monitoring Alabama's experiences to assess its viability as an alternative to lethal injection. The outcome of Miller's execution may influence future decisions regarding capital punishment methods across the country.

In conclusion, Alabama's decision to proceed with nitrogen gas executions underscores the complexities surrounding capital punishment in the United States. As debates continue over the humaneness and transparency of this method, it remains to be seen whether it will gain wider acceptance or face further scrutiny from legal and human rights perspectives.