health
Unmasked: the doctor who helps put prisoners to death
Dr Mark Fowler assisted in the failed execution of a Tennessee prisoner. Physicians are meant to heal patients - why is he working in the death chamber?
TL;DR
- Dr. Mark Fowler, an execution physician in Tennessee, has been publicly identified, sparking debate about the role of doctors in state-sanctioned killings.
- Fowler's participation in the failed execution of Tony Carruthers, who endured a prolonged and painful attempt to establish an IV line, has led to accusations of unqualified medical personnel and potential ethical violations.
- The involvement of physicians in lethal injections is controversial, as it conflicts with the Hippocratic Oath's principle of "do no harm" and AMA prohibitions against participating in executions.
- Fowler's background includes experience as a public defender and a physician in various roles, but his recent attempt to place a central line during an execution was reportedly his first in 13 years, raising questions about his current proficiency.
- Fowler's conservative political views, expressed in opinion columns, align with stances that often support the death penalty, potentially influencing his willingness to participate in executions.