Pharmaceutical Products and Lethal Injection

Our perspective and the steps we’ve taken

Fresenius Kabi opposes the use of our products in lethal injection, and along with other major drug manufacturers, we have established an Authorized Distribution program for certain restricted products.  This program is designed to assure the availability of key medications for patients.  Our medicines play a vital role in patient care. In keeping with our mission of “caring for life,” Fresenius Kabi is committed to distribution controls that help assure restricted products are used for proper medical purposes.

While Fresenius Kabi takes no position on capital punishment, the use of our products for lethal injection is contrary both to our mission and to the FDA-approved indications for, and labelling of, our products.  Fresenius Kabi therefore does not sell, or allow the sale of, certain drugs to prisons or correctional facilities.

The majority of the company’s injectable medicines are manufactured in the United States, however for those made in Europe, the unauthorized use of our medications for lethal injection could also lead to sanctions by the European Union (EU).  This in turn could threaten the U.S. supply of important drugs, potentially putting patients at risk.

Please see our list of authorized distributors for restricted products.  It is updated periodically.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact your distributor, or Fresenius Kabi customer service at 888-386-1300.