ASHP House of Delegates approves policy against capital punishment

During ASHP’s 67th annual session of its House of Delegates last month in Denver, Colorado, ASHP approved a policy that opposes pharmacists’ participation in capital punishment.

During the session, delegates also approved policies supporting broader patient access to medications under the Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access program, acceptable representation of pharmacists with knowledge of all areas of pharmacy practice on state boards of pharmacy and related agencies and creation of programs to support healthcare workers involved in patient-related injuries.
The House of Delegates session was held in conjunction with ASHP’s annual summer meetings.

The approves policy on capital punishment confirms that pharmacists, as healthcare providers dedicated to achieving optimal health outcomes and preserving life, should not participate in capital punishment. The policy acknowledges individuals’ personal and moral opinions on the issue and declares that pharmacists have a right to decline to participate without reprisal.

The new statement succeeds a policy adopted in 1984.

ASHP represents pharmacists who serve as patient care providers in acute and ambulatory settings. The organization has more than 40,000 members including pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. ASHP has been on the forefront of efforts to improve medication use and enhance patient safety for more than 70 years.