Fact check: How many states still practice involuntary lethal injections in 2025?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, it appears that multiple states still practice involuntary lethal injections in 2025 ^[1]. According to the analysis from "^[1]", 10 states have carried out executions in 2025, including FL, TN, MS, SC, OK, AL, IN, TX, AZ, and LA ^[1]. Another analysis from "^[2]" mentions that executions have been carried out in 9 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas ^[2]. Additionally, an analysis from "^[3]" states that 28 states authorize the use of lethal injection ^[3]. However, not all of these states may be actively practicing involuntary lethal injections in 2025. The exact number of states that still practice involuntary lethal injections is unclear, but it is evident that lethal injection remains a widely used method of execution in the United States ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some analyses highlight the exploration of alternative methods by some states, such as nitrogen hypoxia and firing squads ^{[4] [5]}. For instance, an analysis from "^[6]" reports that 27 states have a protocol in place for lethal injection, while others have alternative methods ^[6]. Furthermore, an analysis from "^[7]" notes that five states allow the death penalty by firing squad as an alternative to lethal injection ^[7]. These alternative methods may be gaining traction, as 16% of executions in the last year and a half have been carried out with methods other than lethal injection ^[4]. It is also worth noting that four states have paused executions via executive action ^{[5] [7]}, which may impact the number of states practicing involuntary lethal injections. The challenges surrounding the use of lethal injection are also discussed in an analysis from "^[8]" ^[8].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks how many states still practice involuntary lethal injections in 2025, but does not provide context about the methods of execution or the challenges surrounding lethal injection. This lack of context may lead to misinformation or bias in the interpretation of the results. For example, an analysis from "^[9]" mentions that 9 people are scheduled to be put to death in 7 states, but does not provide a comprehensive list of states that practice involuntary lethal injections ^[9]. This limited information may create a biased perspective on the prevalence of lethal injection as a method of execution. Additionally, the emphasis on the number of states practicing involuntary lethal injections may benefit those who oppose the death penalty by highlighting the widespread use of this method, while those who support the death penalty may benefit from the discussion of alternative methods and the challenges surrounding lethal injection ^{[4] [5]}.