After failed execution, health workers say Tennessee's method flouts medical ethics

After a botched lethal injection in May, dozens of Tennessee medical professionals told the governor that healthcare professionals shouldn't help with executions, no matter the method.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/6365x4243+0+0/resize/6365x4243!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F80%2F73%2F5b4f8181441eb81173d7cc5cd764%2Fap25345849922253.jpg' alt='The Riverbend Maximum Security Institution is seen Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn.'/><p>After a botched lethal injection in May, dozens of Tennessee medical professionals told the governor that healthcare professionals shouldn't help with executions, no matter the method.</p><p>(Image credit: George Walker IV)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5981250' />