Pfizer to prevent its drugs from being used for executions

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced Friday that it will be putting controls on the distribution of its drugs in order to ensure none are used for lethal injections, The New York Times reports. The company's decision effectively ends the last open-market FDA-approved source for drugs used in executions. "Executing states must now go underground if they want to get hold of medicines for use in lethal injections," said Maya Foa of the London-based human rights advocacy group Reprieve.

While lethal injection is the preferred method of execution in the U.S., some states have resorted to using the electric chair, a firing squad, or gas chambers if the drugs are not available. Some states have also tried to import drugs from abroad or use straw buyers, only to have the drugs seized by federal agents.

"Pfizer makes its products to enhance and save the lives of the patients we serve," the company said in their statement, adding that Pfizer "strongly objects to the use of its products as lethal injections for capital punishment."

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More than 20 other American and European drug companies have imposed similar restrictions.