Washington prison doctor quits over death penalty
OLYMPIA — The top doctor in the Washington Department of Corrections has resigned, saying the use of medical staff to prepare for an execution is unethical.
Dr. Marc Stern of Olympia says physicians should not supervise the death penalty. He told The Olympian his only choice was to resign.
The assistant secretary of the Corrections Department, Scott Blonien, says it respects Stern’s decision. Taking part in an execution is voluntary for all employees.
The state is preparing to execute Darold Ray Stenson at the Washington state Penitentiary at Walla Walla, although it’s currently on hold. The 56-year-old killed his wife and business partner in 1993 at an exotic bird farm near Sequim.
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Information from: The Olympian, http://www.theolympian.com