Doctor reveals new execution methods11 Aug. 2006
To effectuate the death sentences passed under the new FemEx law, some of the countries best doctors have been working for the past weeks to devise new execution methods. Our reporter Frank Hamilton has talked to MD Mona Veracio, who is leading the research team at the Third Millennium Medical Centre in New York.
Doctor Mona Veracio in her office
“What we wanted to do is to come up with a whole new way of thinking about executions. Traditionally it has been a mess. Hanging, where the condemned’s neck is violently snapped, gassing or poisoning that cause violent convulsions and massive destruction of the inner organs, shootings where the chest is completely splattered or ‘old sparky’ where the condemned is literally cooked. They were all messy and nasty methods. I wanted to come up with some new methods that were both cleaner and more humane.” Mona explains to Frank. “Both for the sake of the condemned, but also for the sake of society. I mean, there is no reason to destroy the internal organs of the condemned, when so many people are waiting for a new hear, lung, kidney or liver.”
The study of electrocardiograms has proven valuable
“Our research has been both physiological and psychological. We have studies ECGs (Electrocardiograms /red.) and stress measurements, to invent methods that cause minimum pain, physical harm and anxiety. The results have been quite remarkable. We have come up with two very promising methods.” Mona explains proudly, as she shows Frank around in the laboratory. “The first method uses a low current electric pulse which is applied across the heart. It literally stops the heart. The second method uses a low calibre electric bolt gun. The gun fires a narrow bolt into the brain of the condemned. The bolt is attached to a wire, which releases a powerful electric shock upon penetration. It destroys the central nerve system immediately.”
When asked about the psychological stress, Mona smiles even more proudly.
“Obviously facing death will always cause a certain amount of stress in the condemned, but we have found ways of minimising that as well. First of all, the personnel who will carry out the executions will be professional psychologists. They have undergone a crash course so they can create the right atmosphere for the execution. They will speak softly, play some soothing music and furnish the death chamber according to the condemned’s wishes to create an environment where she feels at home.” Mona explains. “Finally, we will give the condemned a choice between the two execution methods. In that way the condemned will feel involved in her own fate, which should make it appear less daunting. At least that is what our studies have shown. We will keep all executions under close observation and adjust the method to minimise any possible discomfort.”
Mona examins a terminal patrient as part of her research
According to the latest updates from the courts, 213 women have been sentenced to death under the FemEx law, though it has been in effect for less than a week. No executions have taken place yet, but the first executions have been scheduled for the coming Sunday. When asked whether Mona will be present at any of these executions her smile doesn’t fade at all.
“I will be present at the five that are scheduled here in New York.” She replies. “And to tell you the truth, I’m looking very much forward to it. I mean, I have been working on this project ever since the law was first proposed. So far, we have only done simulations and tests on animals. It will be very interesting to observe how the methods work on live women.”
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