Status of Euthanization Worldwide

They use it in the United States for executions.

Oklahoma, Alabama and Mississippi have authorized nitrogen for executions and are developing protocols to use it, which represents a leap into the unknown. (NYTimes).

In my book an inhumane way to execute prisoners. I am against the death penalty, period. For the terminally ill it would be a terrible option to choose!

What makes it inhumane? Not opposing, just curious

Execution of prisoners is inhumane in general, but nitrogen gas has to be administered very accurately while the prisoner is in a very air tight helmet. Even then it can take anywhere from 5 to 7 minutes until death sets in. If there is a leak in the helmet, it can take much much longer and leaked nitrogen gas most likely will affect execution officers as well. This might be the reason only a few states allow for nitrogen gas.

Regardless: the death penalty is cruel and barbaric.

I know what you mean. I suppose if someone who’s terminally ill knows that they’re going to die by lack of oxygen soon, and if the likelihood of feeling asphyxiation is less with nitrogen, it could prevent someone from that discomfort if an airtight helmet or area were to be used. Does anyone know about the original question of legality by country?