Missouri Governor Says Europeans Won't Decide Execution Policy

European Union is considering revising export limits on drugs used in executions

Missouri will move ahead with two planned executions despite efforts in Europe to block a common anesthetic from being used in the procedure, Gov. Jay Nixon said Monday.

A Germany company produces almost the entire supply of propofol, but the European Union is considering possible export limits as part of its anti-capital punishment policies. Missouri has enough to carry out it next two executions, the first scheduled for later this month, but Nixon declined to say what the state would do if it is unable to get more propofol.

Nixon said state and federal court systems, not European politicians, will decide death penalty policy in Missouri.