Death Row Doctor: Why I Take Part in Executions | Op-Docs

Can the vow that doctors take to “do no harm” permit taking part in capital punishment? This week, the New York Times Op-Docs brings you “Death Row Doctor,” about Dr. Carlo Musso and his assistance with executions in Georgia. Directed by Lauren Knapp, the film challenges us to answer the question of whether having a doctor in the execution chamber is a perversion of medicine … or a common-sense act of mercy.
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[@everythingsalright1121]

For those still confused /didnt watch the video: He doesn't agree with the death penalty. But he believes that someone who is about to be sentenced to death should have someone who knows what they're doing to take care of them so that their death is carried out properly and isn't done wrong so that theres a lot of suffering.

[@davem8836]

The documentary doesn't say that, those are your words. We still don't know what his role is. It may be simply pronouncing death.

[@REALcatmom]

David Marskell 3:00 he says he is not an advocate of the death penalty.

[@Mikee22ification]

yes, but if he and all other medical personnel boycotted the process then there could be no executions

[@ZinniaLP]

@@Mikee22ification that's where you're wrong. In many states doctors refuse because it goes against the hypocratic oath and so ill trained people who aren't doctors or nurses place the IVs it's lead to veins bursting and horrible deaths

[@Jasonhb07]

​@@Mikee22ification Zinnia is correct. You don't have to be a board-certified physician (medical personnel) to carry out an execution. If you had the choice of having your execution administered by a physician versus anyone else, you would choose the physician. Very few people would want to die painfully.

[@keenanjohnston9739]

This guy has the most sad eyes

[@WornoutRNPARAMEDIC]

Keenan Johnston, I wondered if it was just me or would anybody else see that.

[@paulblack6288]

Keenan Johnston I see it too. It looks like despair

[@ethanfairweather8736]

He feels the obligation to do it, but he definitely thinks the whole thing is rotten.

[@spiceupyourlife7755]

You would have sad eyes if you had to end someone's life

[@assassingamer1125]

*Junko Enoshima wants to know your place*

[@strongbetsmma]

The execution timestamps were both eye opening and chilling....

[@darcysgurl]

Yes

[@yukiefromoz2573]

I would hate to see that if it was my own family member regardless of what they'd done.

[@aviealien]

Seriously! I couldn’t believe there were 5 minutes between the final injection and the pronunciation of death. It made me wonder what kind of suffering happens in those 5 minutes.

[@megan530]

That part is what got me...

[@QueenAlexzandra]

Lethal injection is a slow, terrifying way to go. But most of them are atleast treated better the days and hours before they go, which is often more than can be said for their victims.... if they have any that is. A lot of innocent men have died on death row. It's hard to grapple with.

[@caspo9388]

Imagine a man walking into a room, looking him in the eyes and knowing you will be one of the last people they ever see

[@johnnyfavorite1194]

The guy on the gurney already knows that look. He saw it in the eyes of the person or persons he murdered.

[@fruityloop2143]

Remember, those people are the for a reason.

[@piratesfan123]

Ask the inmate about to be executed, they’d know

[@MzShonuff123]

This is true of any acute healthcare setting, though. The ICU, the ER? Medsurge? You may be the last voice they hear

[@kitracy9375]

@@MzShonuff123 agree. thats the reality of not only healthcare workers but on a larger scale, life. you never know when the person beside you (family or in public) would go

[@kylenehamiahkriticos]

I am very against the death penalty, but I support that doctor 100 % because if it was a family member or I who were sentenced to death, I'd want him there to make sure the correctional officers don't botch it!

[@merilazic9070]

Kyle Kriticos so if a guy kills a person he can’t be killed for taking another life? I respect your opinion but I just would like to know why you think it’s wrong.

[@JM-qr8qz]

You have such a negative view of correctional officers. They keep wolves from sheep like you.

[@allenz7688]

I agree with you: If all doctors refused to do lethal injection, then the correctional officers would be there to go back to electrocution or some other form. Lethal injection is one of the more humane ways to perform the execution.

[@JM-qr8qz]

@@allenz7688 The most humane way for individuals who commit inhumane acts against humane individuals.

[@Fightosaurus]

Oh please, this guy isn't just making sure it isn't botched. He's been accused of providing the drugs to the states, that they otherwise couldn't get. He is doing harm, taking part in harm. His hands are bloody, even if his conscience is blank.

[@originaozz]

Despite not necessarily agreeing to capital punishments, I still think the doctor's stance is quite fascinating. For him, as long as executions are still going to happen according to law, he finds it responsible to be the one who perform those executions in ways that feel most peaceful and respectful to those prisoners. That is something I can agree to because this option is much better than seeing prisoners being killed disrespectfully or tortured in death. Most people take law as all or nothing, but in the transition period of the law to be change, this is the best option for the prisoners.

[@GabrielLessa12]

Have you ever heard about Hanna Arendt’s concept of “banality of evil”? On her book, Eichmann in Jerusalem, she understood that the nazis who executed millions weren’t psychopaths or monsters, they were farmers, bureaucrats, normal every day people. But they all had something in common: they were following orders. This also created the concept of “herd morality”, short speaking: people would do atrocities just because they were told so, without deeply reflecting about it. So I honestly think that doing something just because “it’s in the law” or it’s permitted doesn’t mean it’s ethical. Just something so you can reflect and think deeper about. Sorry for any misspellings, english is not my first language. Farewell!

[@cihant5438]

The same argument can be made for the people carrying out the execution. "If executions are still going to happen, it might as well be that a person like me gets involved to make sure it goes smoothly for the benefit of the condemned." It is a slippery slope.

[@AmbyJeans]

Victor They would still want executions. Most people that are for the death penalty don't really want the process to be humane. They want the prisoners to suffer. So if there was no doctor to smooth the event over as much as possible, they would be totally fine with that. In my personal opinion, it's a sickening mindset to have, but many have exactly that.

[@brianxavier8873]

@@AmbyJeans But Amby, some people carry out monstrosities whose only punishment is death. Or how would you punish someone like Kenneth Mcduff?

[@blondesense1708]

Gabriel Lessa there is also a fascinating documentary on this premise ‘Caring corrupted’ on YT about Nazi nurses who began with compassion which was eventually eroded by the regime kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKubmJhqltxrjdU

[@LindsayC33]

You can see a lot in that man’s eyes.

[@spiceupyourlife7755]

You would feel the same if you had this job

[@gibbsm]

yeah, it's called dollar signs, he's not a volunteer, he gets paid to snuff people out.

[@salex354]

@@gibbsm he did say he wishes that he’s able to leave this profession. Is it so hard to believe a rich doctor also has a reason to maintain his moral beliefs? Wealth is not a guarantee of despicableness.

[@chrisw.4318]

Showing compassion until the very end and having the self-actualization to know that the execution will take place with or without you, and making the choice to participate, and the compassion to make it as painless as possible, is heroic.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Unless Society needs to make an example of the condemned, it should be painless & quick. My grandfather wrote the medical protocols for treating concentration camp survivors for the US Army while serving in a Frontline Feild Hospital during WWII... No member of the public has seen the footage of a concentration camp at the point of liberation, as all the footage is after a few days of burying most of the dead. One of my grandfather's fellow Feild Surgeons lost it during one of the camp liberations, took a short walk, and put his 1911 in his mouth and his family was told he was killed by a stray bullet. The US used an incompetent hangman for its executions after the Nuremberg Trials, so the Nazis kicked and gurgled for a while due to being given too short of a drop... Our worst monsters need to have an example made out of them, to send a message to potential future monsters that we will have no mercy. Timothy McVeigh should have been given a very public execution and a short drop and being left up until the rope rotted, as he parked his truck bomb so that as many children in the daycare center would be killed as possible...

[@petersosa268]

@@davidhollenshead4892 agreed

[@gabrielrader2995]

I am so intelligent and talented at watching disturbing things before bed wait edit: finding this a year later I've never gotten this many likes

[@koolperson99]

Gabriel Rader right on me too 😂

[@mariselalopez55]

Yall not the only ones 😂

[@lorimitchell9025]

Just saw this on my recommendation page and I’m about to go to bed😆

[@gabrielrader2995]

@@lorimitchell9025 haha

[@chappy308]

I sleep too!

[@vojacked305]

There's really not just between black and white. This is one of the profound greys in life.

[@genki2705]

no it's not. To put it very simple he participated in the killing of a person. To say if he hadn't do it, someone else would, is wrong. Under this premise you can do whatever you want. Given the limited number of qualified individuals and the fact that they are part of a group that took the Hippocratic Oath, it is possible that the state could not have carried out these death sentences. Take, for example, the case where the death penalty was skipped because Europe was not supplying the poisons needed for the trial.

[@lux637]

@@genki2705 Just shut up

[@LukasOHS]

@@genki2705 well take for example when there are no doctors and they use bullets instead

[@genki2705]

@@LukasOHS Some people on death row would prefer bullets to lethal injection.

[@hardrays]

lets not lose track of the maths. every taxpayer and voter is involved in the systematic retribunal execution of another for reasons. reasons that i contend are bad. one's only option is to not feed the construct in every way that one does. you may spend a lifetime and not know all the ways that you contribute to anothers demise. gotta get yourself out of the matrix per say

[@thtasianguy913]

Jeff Bozos out here killin the competition and innmates

[@prontokyo]

lololololol

[@godfreybabu478]

LoL

[@gfbmusic]

Just Jeff it.

[@maxw383]

Dr. Jeff* haha

[@markoboredguy6911]

Jeff Bezos killed my entire family in 2005

[@jk7713]

He seems like a very caring and comforting person. If I were to die on death row, I would want someone like him. You can tell he cares. Sometimes it’s better for you to do the job so you know the patient is treated with dignity. As hard as that is

[@mattwiggin9458]

He is so haunted by what hes doing even though he wont admit one look in his eyes tells me all i need to know

[@kohlharrington5033]

Amen

[@CIARUNSITE]

I don't like capital punishment. But I don't think he does either. And if it has to be done he's right about his role in the process. The death penalty places this burden on too many people.

[@Mr3344555]

Nobody likes capital crime.

[@CIARUNSITE]

@@Mr3344555 54% of people in the US approve of the death penalty.

[@JM-qr8qz]

I approve 😃

[@allenz7688]

@@CIARUNSITE You may want to read Mr3344555's comment again. It doesn't say what I think you think it said. Your response was non-sequitur.

[@fruityloop2143]

From my studies, people in death row are murderers. Most often serial killers in the US

[@doubtingthomas6146]

Here’s a thought. If it weren’t a fully trained doctor overseeing executions, the procedure would be conducted by a lesser trained medical practitioner. That could in turn result in more botched executions. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that poorly employed executions result in needless suffering. In effect, he could well be fulfilling his Hippocratic oath by ‘doing no harm’ by carrying out executions as efficiently as possible.

[@airhab]

I don't really care because imo a botched execution by the state is just as unjust and wrong as a non-botched execution. Don't make it any easier for the state to take citizens life.

[@rrozinak]

@@airhab You would care if it was you who's about to be executed. Take your false morality somewhere else.

[@christinesmith3711]

NightMusic1 except they may not be.

[@yannburri8831]

@ excepte the one who are found innocent after their death

[@dasunflower8079]

@ 4% of people on death row are likely innocent. That's not an insignificant percentage.

[@reddiver7293]

He's right. If I had a family member being executed, I would rather an experienced physician were there than not. So much trouble, so much suffering in this world. Somehow, the presence of someone experienced in life and death being present would make something horrible seem less chaotic.

[@RedRose1010100]

That time count of sequence of events... Oosh it made me freeze in sadness. The sureality of the death penalty changed.

[@cagedtigersteve]

Holy crap...that puzzle.

[@TheJoeSwanon]

I think a life sentence in true solitary confinement like the federal Supermax in Colorado is worse than the death penalty well that’s my opinion

[@HexaAngel]

I agree. But I suppose the argument is that, well, what if new evidence surfaces and they are found not guilty? If they're in solitary confinement they can be released and compensated. If they got the death sentence, they're just dead. Nothing can be done anymore for them. I don't disagree with capital punishment. Some people just don't deserve to live. Child molesters, rapists, murderers... they deserve to be put to death. However I do think the evidence should be overwhelmingly clear for a judge to sentence someone to death.

[@aaronbegon2092]

Sounds great, you can be the one to pay for his stay

[@ryanvalentine4151]

aaron begon Life sentences are cheaper then death sentences due to the significantly longer legal process.

[@prontokyo]

cost too much money to keep that many ppl

[@allenz7688]

@@aaronbegon2092 ironically, it costs more to process an inmate for death row then to let them rot their entire life away...to include the trial, extra appellate processing, and facility maintenance.

[@francessweeney2308]

The role of the doctor in executions by lethal injection should be to: 1. Check the dose of drugs 2. They have the right person 3 The right drug 4. The I.V catheters and monitors have been correctly placed by the Medical Technician 5. Certify death post execution. As long as the medical technician and not the doctor administers the lethal cocktail; it's not unethical because they aren't giving it. They're reducing the chances of the condemned prisoner from suffering needlessly through an unintended error. It's more unethical to watch someone writhing and gasping for 45 minutes due to incorrect needle placement.

[@teenindustry]

Frances Sweeney i agree but it is a brutal moral dilemma

[@bettysmith7045]

A medical "technician" does not start IVs or give medications, including lethal injection. It would be the responsibility of a doctor and/or a nurse. The physicians are in fact the ones ordering the medications and assuring the correct doses are given, along with the nurse and a secondary physician.

[@rattiegirl5]

Are these advocacy groups that protest this doctor protesting abortion clinics? If they are pro-life- okay. But if they are "pro-choice"- then they are hypocrites.

[@MrGrasburg]

Idc about this ethical bs. They are all in the same boat. Death penalty should be abolished, consequences are far too severe if someone is sentenced to death but not guilty

[@edwinleechuanhao]

@@MrGrasburg Yeah obviously dude, no one wants the death penalty. The problem is, even if you don't want death penalties to be a reality, the matter of fact is that it is and it will still happen regardless of your beliefs. Hence since death penalties remain, the doc wants to at least make it as swift and as painless as it can be for the patient. So instead of telling him to "stop conducting executions", which won't fix the issue at all, the focus should be on fixing the root of the problem, the fact that death penalties remain.

[@fallingbed1]

My God the time stamp was depressing my thoughts just went sicko mode and made it 10x worse

[@Ifrekinlovecookies]

Can i get a travy patty before i go sicko mode???

[@damoos3.]

sucko mode

[@spiritisalive1]

I wasn't in the execution room, so I know there is no comparison, but just reading the timeline of events, I felt my heart racing.

[@Paul-Weston]

I was watching a video about using fentanyl to execute prisoners. In the comments people were saying how wrong it is that someone gets injected and then just drifts off to sleep, never to wake up. It seems important to them the prisoner is awake and suffers. The whole system seems to be more about revenge for the victims family than a humane method of execution. If they want that then a family member should step up and press the button that starts the syringes pumping. I doubt many of them will be able to do it. It's not an easy thing to do killing someone.

[@DivineLightPaladin]

I would, to the people who assaulted me, my mother and my friends. Easily. And why should the criminal not suffer the consequences of their action and go sleep-sleep easily but the victim has to live with therapy, drugs, trauma, depression for life and likely s**cide over the life long damage?

[@Creepystalker102]

@@DivineLightPaladin I agree 100%. The original commenter likely hasn’t experienced anything severe enough to truly know what they’re saying here. I have no doubt that if I were murdered (or worse), any one of my family members would be happy to press the button. And I would for them

[@copycat21c]

Much respect to this man for being a kind hand in a very difficult time.

[@kevinswift8654]

I'm quite surprised to see that nobody mentioned this: he is the head of a company that, apart from providing medical care to 40 jails and prisons in 4 states (as mentioned in the video), also provides these kinds of "medical" services. I can only assume that means that he is making money off of this sort of thing, whether he actually participates directly in all of the executions or not. Yes, he's said that he is anti-death penalty, and he makes some good points about "I would rather a physician like me be present", etc. But you have to remember, this is his job, and not only his job, but his business. Of course he's not going to come out directly and say "I'm 100% for this, they deserve it". That would be bad for business. I could be wrong but the fact that there's money involved beyond just his personal salary makes me quite skeptical. He didn't quite convince me.

[@saradean6592]

idk i feel like thats a really hard job to have an he deserves to get paid well. i dont support the death penalty but in my eyes hes doing a humane service and it must be very taxing and he deserves to make a good living w that service. and him having a business that employs others to do the same, seems along the same vein of humanity.. to me sounds like his line of work is not the issue..

[@kevinswift8654]

@@saradean6592 You might be right. I don't know. I just thought it was important to mention that it's not just his job, but his business, too.. That's another variable to consider. We may never know the ultimate truth about him

[@Hansern23456]

The puzzle on his pool-table is called Big Sky Saloon. I have it hung on my wall…

[@kkrot81]

If I had a loved one on death row facing the inevitable, I would want someone like him to be the physician. He may not agree but the man has heart. Could you ask for anything more in that situation?

[@jackycook64]

I was a strong supporter of capital punishment until something my biology prof said made me really rethink my position. He said that you can never prove a theory, only disprove because you can never account for every variable. Apply that to legal. No matter how much we know and think we understand, we will never be able to account for every variable that was present when a crime was committed. Adding knowledge I have gained from having lived with a severe illness, I have seen on multiple occasions how disease process has progressed in me in ways experts said could never happen and can't be explained. Putting this all together my position has changed. We can never prove with 100% certainly that a person committed the crime. We can find beyond reasonable doubt and give a life sentence but I do not believe we should execute someone when 100% certainty can never be obtained.

[@caitolent]

It can be if they confess.

[@xWood4000]

@@caitolent Confessing is famously unreliable, interrogators force confessions on the regular

[@emersonridley4118]

What about video proof?

[@DivineLightPaladin]

Meh. Then everyone should just get away with everything? Disagree still. So if you have a video of someone stabbing someone else and the victim says yeah that guy did it, is there still a chance he didn't do it? Yeah no.

[@dicet3311]

You explained this beautifully and it's always been a strong belief of mine, but you worded it perfectly. For the same reason, I've never agreed with death penalty either.

[@jakes1521]

It is an interesting take. The way I view it, he is not performing and execution. He has been hired by the state to check a body for signs of life.

[@kohlharrington5033]

Every person involved is participating in a murder. They tell themselves lies to make themselves feel justified. At the end of the day, they’ve all done the same exact thing they say is “wrong”.

[@bridgetdraper8671]

I always thought a doctor couldn't take any part in execution because of the oath they take becoming a doctor.... I prefer a doctor to be there to see execution all the way through properly...

[@madasahatter5514]

Tough subject but beautifully done. I'm conflicted when it comes to capital punishment, wavering between agreement and disagreement on a case to case basis. Anything to do with murder of a child then I wholeheartedly agree but at other times I am in Incensed that a person has been executed on such flimsy evidence. Robert pruett is a good example.

[@theorb21]

From a utilitarian perspective - and one that I ascribe myself to - the wrongs of killing an innocent man far outweigh the rights of killing a bad man.

[@teenindustry]

katie lister I am from a country that does not have capital punishment and sees it as barbaric. The way I see it is even the horrible murderers are in some ways getting an easy out by execution. Life long loss of liberty forces the person to reconcile who they really are and spend a life time facing up to it. There also are some murders where there is a reasonable shot at some kind of redemption.

[@brandyb2931]

The guy in this case confessed.

[@kohlharrington5033]

If you’re a liar and you believe lying is wrong, but you yourself lie due to the liar lying… makes zero sense. I totally understand the concept behind death penalty, yet in reality it’s just showing us that people say murder is wrong and shouldn’t happen, yet they’re ok murdering in return. Sends quite an interesting message.

[@moniqueabundance]

I feel like you too, conflicted but crimes/murder against children and the elderly deserve capital punishment.

[@gazsto9510]

Without doubt this man has deep sadness in his eyes. I believe in his heart he knows he goes against the reason why he became a doctor in the first place and he is supposed to perserve life. Capital punishment I have never agreed with and believe 'life' should mean 'life behind bars' so they know everyday their liberty and freedom is no more. Executions set them free and they suffer no more, unlike the victims families and friends, who have to live on without their loved ones. No to the death penalty! Let them rot in jail til their end comes!

[@chrissheppard5068]

My sympathies are for the victims who in most cases suffered.

[@jenv2402]

So many people care about the prisoner suffering. I care about the suffering inflicted on the victims.

[@SpeccyMan]

@@jenv2402 ...... and do you actually believe their suffering is ended by the death of the prisoner? It most assuredly is not.

[@jenv2402]

@@SpeccyMan the victims are dead. As far as their friends and family, no, their trama will never completely go away. I wasn't commenting on that.

[@isaiahsspontaneouscontent9111]

Truth to that

[@ubc1454]

I think that some people deserve to suffer for what they have done

[@caterinafiamingo4891]

It is the very same thing I thought as being an official veterinarian working in slaughterhouses...vets are not born to supervise death, but animals need to be protected from unnecessary cruelty and this is one of the reasons veterinarians NEED TO BE THERE...at least untill no more meat is wanted...

[@jenniejohnson6660]

Thank you so much for sharing. I enjoyed watching this

[@Fede_uyz]

Legend has it... none of his death row patients have ever complained after their last visit

[@jordanscott3921]

Changeling nerd

[@thelaniakean7597]

Federico Olivares lol 😂 that made my night

[@Fede_uyz]

@Changeling sure buddy, whatever makes you sleep better

[@Fede_uyz]

@@thelaniakean7597 thanks!

[@timekeeper8363]

That’s hilarious! 😂😂😂

[@samanthaglass7264]

I respect why he does his job. I absolutely cannot stomach the death penalty and I hope it goes away in my life time.

[@aloysiusdevanderabercrombi470]

How do you feel about what murderers do? That all ok with you?

[@Highland_Moo]

If I, or someone in my family, were condemned to die, I’d want this doctor to be the guy to administer the drugs. He has a quiet dignity and I respect him very much. I’m a nurse from the Scottish highlands and we don’t have the death penalty over here.

[@megoerandi]

This is such a good topic worth of a full length documentary

[@astromikael]

Thank you for making this thoughtful film.

[@joshuahouiellebecq6761]

Bless that doctor. Heart goes out to him.

[@tornadoe13]

Why. Hes violated the hippocratic oath many times over.? He's no angel...hes a disgrace to his profession

[@CB-kh8lr]

Did not expect to come out of this liking the doctor.

[@Humanaut.]

I have tremendous respect for this man. He is obviously a deep, thoughtful and dignified human being who contemplates his actions and the consequences of his responsibilities but also understands the workings of the world and society. A bit like oppenheimer in that regard.

[@marydavis1860]

Thank you for being there. I also am not a proponent of the death penalty. It is a blessing a medical professional is there to ensure the penalty has been carried out and that it was done as humanely as possible, though there is no 'humanely' in taking a life..

[@ranabirghosh8889]

Living is more painful than dying.

[@taylorg407]

That says a lot about society

[@fouzan7417]

Very negative mindset there, you doing alright?

[@st7rlette]

Not true but ok

[@shannondecillis778]

Hearing the protesters sing while the time stamps of the execution are shown made me want to cry

[@aloysiusdevanderabercrombi470]

Why don't you read about the victim.

[@ghassanco1]

You're doing a great job doctor.

[@sheenawarecki92]

I know some prisons allow for whats injected to be mixtures to test things like medications etc which can have horrible reactions (hence the testing) that basically torture the person before they die. I appreciate a doctor who is not only most likely uses more gentle methods, but also is trying to make it even less terrible by avoiding things like burst veins and drug leaking etc.

[@colbyandbrennen3543]

What an interesting man

[@veevee306]

I agree with Dr. Musso's stance, and would assist in executions as an RN if I could. Everyone deserves as peaceful a death as possible. I am not killing them, the state is. I am against capital punishment, but as long as it exists I want to ensure that the least harm occurs from it as possible. Like Dr. Musso, I hope very much that the law is changed so that his services are no longer needed.

[@isaiahsspontaneouscontent9111]

What about a victim who's body is dismembered? Did they want to die that way or a peaceful way?

[@naturalmystics-kd9vt]

Whaching this i have one stream of tears running down my left eyes

[@cody_janssen831]

Imagine getting brutally killed then when the guy that killed you finally gets justice their people outside crying and singing amazing grace hoping he doesn’t die

[@mwbright]

This would make a great doctor show on television. I'd watch it.

[@Brainfreeze551]

I was offered a similar position but refused. I can’t help but think it’s a dead end job.

[@marlo484]

Heh, that was kinda funny

[@kakafan77]

great job Lauren Knapp

[@RJArens]

He seems like a caring and compassionate guy. He's bound by the duties of his job and medical ethics. I feel for him.

[@bringcarm8033]

This man has the most cartoonishly eyebrows ever. That frown is so perfect.

[@stevensun7126]

Dude kinda looks like Jeff Bezos lol

[@odd5557]

You're a simp

[@artysanmobile]

AwesomeDude333 Only more compassionate.

[@82ayalaj]

Whole time I was thinking that.

[@TheIntJuggler]

Maybe he needs a side gig because of his divorce.

[@merilazic9070]

And looks like it two

[@peggyradeck9016]

Thank you for accepting this responsibility

[@JonathanNichollstechandsuch8]

Capital punishment is morally reprehensible. But, those inmates on death row who have to suffer the horrors of capital punishment should have a right to a painless death and a trained doctor, even if the state doesn’t think they have a right ti live. Capital punishment needs to be abolished as soon as possible, but advocates for its abolition shouldn’t be trying to make the people they’re trying to save suffer in the process.

[@anxietyplague1221]

I support the death penalty for individuals who truly committed a horrific sight to be seen by any human.

[@edwardjonez6615]

HOW ABOUT HUMANS WHO HAVE PUT TO DEATH BY THE STATE "MISTAKENLY'? HAVE AN ANSWER TO THAT.

[@alpacab.i7542]

@@edwardjonez6615 Theres always a possibility in everything, but we're humans, there's bound to be some errors we cant really cover. Yes the so called "errors" are actually human lives, but dont just let unnecessary sympathy to cloud rational judgement. So if there's dangerous criminals that are far from repenting roaming around, but because some individuals are so stupidly sympathetic, the criminals get to roam freely ?

[@WornoutRNPARAMEDIC]

I can understand the doctor's point of view. He is OK in my book.

[@zachf748]

He seems like a genuinely nice guy. If I ever had a family member in that terrible situation, I’d want him there.

[@aenorist2431]

Nobody can be forced to participate in capital punishment. By working within the system you are preventing the solution of the problem, that being "there is nobody that will execute". Executions only exist because there are still people fundamentally unethical enough to do them. When the last 2 people with a medical license refuse, Georgia cannot execute someone anymore.

[@Familylawgroup]

I am shocked you filmed the doctor’s home from the outside. You have highly increased his risks of altercations with death row opponents.

[@salvolondon]

Death row opponents are against violence , I’d be more scared of pro death penalty ....

[@superchad1330]

@@salvolondon smooth brain take.

[@katiix]

The death penalty is the easy way out for them. It's the easier way out compared to what most of them have done to their victims. If i was facing life in jail, i would want the death penalty too!

[@katiebaldwin5401]

@Sophie S When people complain about taxes you sound not that educated. Where else do you think the money is supposed to come from? Also, it is cheaper to have someone locked up for life. Finally, can you explain how it is torturing society? No one really cares about the prisoner for their whole life.

[@katiebaldwin5401]

@Sophie S The trial is much more expensive. Google it if you want more information but the trial is expensive because you have to pay for the judge, the jury, and if they are facing death their trial takes much longer.

[@katiebaldwin5401]

@Sophie S that is kinda the point... and what do you mean in the long run. Court fees are more expensive. Google it all.

[@katiebaldwin5401]

@Sophie S deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/costs just use this site. It explains everything. Also dont you think it is immoral to take someones life?

[@aphii8203]

Sophie S It costs upwards of 50,000 dollars per year for a prisoner, and capital punishment trials are deciding weather if it’s life or death, so the cost is the same.

[@7ele5crivente]

That's the definition of being a physician: You stay with your patients no matter what.

[@GamalKevin]

How he speaks, how he looks, is uncannily similar to Rudolf Abel (portrayed by Mark Rylance) in Bridge of Spies.

[@Ihateironyanddumbusernames]

bill Murray with the hat on Jeff bezos with it off.

[@tamfuwing1]

The process of such an execution should be juxtaposed by the details of the murders and rapes that led to it, in order to be put into perspective. There are monsters in human form on this earth who don't deserve pity and concern because they don't have any. They should be removed from it, clinically, without fuss or emotion.

[@ObserverZero]

In unrelated interests: what is the puzzle set they are working on?

[@roonces8788]

For those who believe the actual guilty should be sentenced, do you feel the risks of rarer incorrect sentencing outweighs the justice in correct sentencing?

[@floraflowers]

I am not American so I genuinely apologize in advance if my point of view is flawed due to limited knowledge of the American justice system. The way investigations and technology have advanced, I believe finding the culprit has become much more accurate than it was some decades ago, especially with the advancement of DNA analysis and also I think (again, I might be wrong) trials nowadays drag over a longer period of time than they used to. Definitely at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, when death sentences were given out like Halloween candy, trials seemed to last for a short time and they often sentenced someone without much evidence and sometimes even based on faulty eyewitnesses and false confessions. But nowadays I think that is extremely rare. Take Christa Pike's case - she killed a fellow teenager in the 80s and taunted and tortured her before she did so. All because she believed she was trying to steal her boyfriend (she wasn't). She got the death penalty and is still awaiting execution. Every evidence led to her and there was no denying she did it because she actually kept a piece of Coleen's (the victim) skull as a souvenir. Do I believe Christa deserved the death penalty? Yes. Tiffany Cole killed an elderly couple that had helped her in the past because she wanted to steal their car and their money. The couple got buried alive. She denied having a big part in the murder (her boyfriend and another guy helped), but she spent the Sumners' money and then called their bank after a few days because the bank had put a hold on their credit cards, trying to milk that cash cow further. She was also the only one who personally knew the Sumners. There's no denying that she had a big part in the killings. Do I think she deserved the death penalty as well? Yes. I am aware that incorrect sentencing happens, though I really want to believe it's much, much rarer nowadays than it used to. But would I want to be in the shoes of someone wrongly sentenced? No, not at all. See, it's a bit of a grey area here. I agree with the death sentence in the cases of violent and premeditated killings, serial murders, and child molesters. I also definitely agree with it if ALL evidence points to the suspect and they are without a doubt guilty. But I also know some things slip and innocent people can be wrongly sentenced. It's a very sensitive topic and I hope I have not offended you or anyone with what I have said.

[@roonces8788]

@@floraflowers I agree entirely. Of course, I didn’t want to put my opinion in the comment for sake of being unbiased

[@Rachel_hikes_the_PCT]

How can it be correctional medicine to do this? You can’t correct someone if they’re dead

[@freeplax17]

Since our legal system is based on how much money you have for your defemse its not that hard to realize there are some innocent people being killed. I wouldnt want that on my soul.

[@allenz7688]

Criminals on death row gets more appellate review and scrutiny. Oddly enough, an innocent person on death row is more likely to be released while an innocent person without a death sentence is more likely to rot the rest of their life in prison.

[@freeplax17]

@@allenz7688 agreed, my point is our justice system is based on how much cash you have to mount in your defense. If your poor you cant afford good legal consultation. Even tbough death row inmates get more chances to appeal their cases i still believe we execute a few innocent people that slip through the cracks. I oppose the death penalty because i dont think the justice system gets it right all the time and even one innocent person being killed by the state is to many.

[@allenz7688]

@@freeplax17 I agree that money is a person's best defense, sadly. I oppose death row because it has become an absurdly expensive process. Unfortunately, that would mean that more innocent people rot away in jail, so I'm very conflicted. =(

[@airhab]

@@allenz7688 At least life sentence give innocent people time for new evidence to arise, the death penalty is final no matter what arises later.

[@paulamarentette1569]

@@airhab And I wonder how this doctor would feel if he found out that he executed an innocent person, even if he did it in a way that reduced the person's suffering.

[@NyuuMikuru1]

There are always victims who died horrific by bad people in worse ways so unimaginable it would leave you shakened with griefs. If one burn a child alive, why can’t it be done same way? Cruel and unusual punishment unlawful. Tell that to a burned child.

[@christinosim]

My parents told me Cambodia doesn't practice killing a prisoner (capital punishment) like Vietnam because we have respect for other people and we have respect for human lives no matter what. I stand with that statement.

[@landry2611]

Odd that the same political party that is pro-life is also pro-death penalty.

[@a_grape_in_space1016]

Because they're pro-birth, not pro-life

[@Nanna2five]

@@a_grape_in_space1016 exactly

[@walden420]

Not all of us feel that way. I am pro-life and also anti-death penalty. No one has the right to take someone else's life.

[@cocochannel8932]

Sadly these prisoners will get better medical treatment at the end of their lives than most 3rd world people ever recieve.

[@mayouchben775]

I confirm this

[@gingerelvira6587]

So

[@Lakota828]

... or even working citizens of the US, for that matter. At least they get medical care. A person can work full time and still not be able to afford medical since all of that money goes to merely keeping a roof over their head. In fact, people have gone to prison solely for the desire to get medical care.

[@laurenrose3462]

I have a lot of respect for this guy.

[@kathymcgirt8944]

Doctors perform the most absolute form of compassion - and the greatest form of protest - by participating in the execution process.

[@kateybear8323]

That was the quickest 8 minutes I've ever experienced. I feel the topic warranted a lot more time and the lack of time made me feel like a mother watching her child being killed by the law and having her time to protect/defend her baby just run out... The comment that the doctor made about "most people believing in capital punishment" makes me wonder if he meant that most people believe that it happens and is a real thing or that most people believe it it's a fair and just form of punishment??? So many questions????.... so many eyes for eyes makes me wonder... as a mother.... would I/eye?!? I hope I never have to know. :(

[@trinitylivingston1286]

Probably means that it's a fair and justifiable punishment. I'm not a mother, but I could never be able to do this. Even though I'm not a mother, I still have motherly instincts inside of me.

[@West_87]

I oppose the death penalty, but if it's being put into practice, it's best to have an experienced physician involved in the process. It's a grim job, but someone's gotta do it.

[@West_87]

@Main Street Boxer Just because I prefer that executions be competently carried out rather than incompetently carried out doesn't mean I support the death penalty. It is not realistic to suggest that there could be a scenario in which everyone refused to perform the task of execution. If the death penalty is allowed by law, there will always be someone willing to do the job. It is best, then, to ensure that the individual in question is medically experienced and will perform the most professional, humane execution possible.

[@bigbubba7753]

@Main Street Boxer Anti capital punishment is anti victim. You care more about the killer's life than the life they took.

[@dawnhock4545]

you’ve given a great service, having compaction for the criminal.

[@kms3063]

Such a sadness thru out this episode

[@PRDreams]

I rather a doctor be there than someone without any medical training butchering it, which has happened.

[@monday2471]

there's probably good money in it too since so few others are willing to do it.

[@alessias.4733]

I did some research, it's only between 39.000$-50.000$. Sure that's not nothing..but I thought it'd be more.

[@Bluyless]

@@alessias.4733 per year? Per execution?

[@allenz7688]

@@Bluyless Government employees are paid per year (no commission bonuses). $50,000 sounds way too low for a doctor's salary. According to glassdoor, doctor salaries are between $150,000 and $300,000 in Georgia. As it is a government job, he is likely on the lower end of that range.

[@MikeY-iw3uy]

@@allenz7688 He owns a prison healthcare company with multiple government contracts, the salary he gets for doing the injections would be nothing compared to the profits he makes off his company.

[@allenz7688]

@@MikeY-iw3uy From what I see online and what was stated in the video, you are correct. He is President of a company called Triage Holding, Inc. which is part of a larger organization called CORRECTHEALTH, which he founded in 2000. Do you think delivering lethal injections helps or hurts his firm overall? He obviously had (at least some of) the contracts before he started doing the lethal injections.

[@nancydaniel4716]

also from Oklahoma where i might be the only one against the death penalty. i absolutely love your research. very intelligent man, thanks for caring

[@colleenkochman9656]

I was taught 3 goals of health care which includes assist patient in experiencing a dignified and pain-free as possible death. Whether a needle is inserted with or without pain can often be a controllable effect of it's insertion. Preceding with an anxiety relieving medicine is a kindness. Substances that are used to cause death can be delivered in a manner that is least painful. Compared to the thousands to millions of dollars spent to maintain a convict on death row, the amount of money spent on the execution in a dignified and painless as possible manner is negligible. If convicts are not afforded such kindnesses, we are no better than they are.

[@Anna133199]

What a sad career to have. :(

[@ferkinderkin3165]

I mean people receiving capital punishment are monsters, so maybe it’s kinda gratifying in that regard

[@yesandno000]

Im saying!!!

[@alanpartridge2140]

@@ferkinderkin3165 The majority of the time yes but sometimes no, falsely convicted or mentally ill lunatics.

[@morriganwitch]

He doesn’t agree with the morality however has searched his Soul and does his best xxx

[@GrowYourReputation]

"Providing 'health care' in a prison environment." Hey buddy, let's call a spade a spade...

[@maximiliansus2629]

What do you mean? His company provides legitimate health care to prisoners, irrespective of his separate role with capital punishment.

[@nathanhecker2153]

What gives anyone the right to condemn another creature to death?

[@fmercury1980]

6:47 They are the eyes of Death.

[@EpikVizion]

I am actually strongly against the death penalty but I understand what he is doing, he is a good doctor

[@zhongxina2614]

Imagine getting lethal injection by a random cop that doesn't know anything about heath.

[@benw3864]

im against capital punishment too, but the core issue here is that regardless of your beliefs on the matter, capital punishment is going to continue to be carried out in the US, and inmates at least deserve to have someone qualified carry out the procedure so it is quick and painless. the reason why lethal injection is a painful death for the vast majority of prisoners is because in most areas of the country, the procedure is not carried out by a medical professional. having someone qualified do this ensures it is up to medical standards and bullying doctors out of doing this is not going to end capital punishment, its simply just going to put the execution in the hands of people who will actually make the process painful

[@lozbuckley6621]

I agree with death penalty.

[@nicoleherz4572]

Me to

[@Anna133199]

That makes you immoral and barbaric in my book. :(

[@annaturba]

You know, that innocent people have been executed, right? In your name.

[@Camilo19832001]

Uh... why was this in my recommended.....

[@zachdavis6272]

I am against the death penalty but I respect him wanting to make the process as peaceful as possible.

[@channelwonnews4322]

What are cleats 5:08 ? How do they help an individual uphold the profession of medicine? Couldn't you wear penny-loafers & get the same thing done? Aren't cleats a type of shoe?

[@newyardleysinclair9960]

Aral Ynot its a saying. as in he would love to retire someday

[@channelwonnews4322]

@@newyardleysinclair9960 that makes a lot of sense! thanks ;D