Lately, there have been articles about the use of alternate death-inducing chemicals for executions. Opponents of the death penalty decry the agonizing 25-minute time frame for the latest inmate to die.
In Ohio, Dennis McGuire’s execution employed the use of a two-drug blend of the sedative midazolam and the painkiller hydromorphone.
Anyone who has taken an adequate amount of hydromorphone or other opiod drugs can attest to the sensation of sedation and euphoria (sometimes disphoria). I don't think Mr. McGuire was under tremendous stress or anxiety when he was dying. Actually, he may have been experiencing a pleasurable sensation on his way to meet his maker.
In my mind, his death was carried out in a humane manner. Opponents say Mr. McGuire had an agonizing death. I say "bullshit"! Dilaudid, a much sought-after recreational drug, has hydromorphone as it's active ingredient.
If I had to die for committing a heinous crime, I wouldn't mind going out on opiods at all.