California execution delayed after doctors pull out

The execution of a convicted murderer has been delayed in the United States after doctors refused to participate because of ethical objections.

Michael Morales was set to become the first inmate to be put to death by lethal injection in California under a procedure that aims to minimise pain.

Morales, 46, was convicted of the rape and murder of a teenage girl in 1981.

Prison officials have rescheduled the execution, saying they will use a different type of lethal injection.

Officials at San Quentin prison announced the postponement of the execution more than two hours after it had been due to take place, citing serious differences of opinion with two anaesthesiologists.

The two court-appointed doctors withdrew, citing concerns over a last-minute ruling by a judge.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judge Jeremy Fogel on Monday ordered them to intervene in the event that Morales woke up or appeared to be in pain.

"Any such intervention would be medically unethical. As a result, we have withdrawn from participation in this current process... What is being asked of us is ethically unacceptable," the doctors said in a statement. BBC

Lethal injection: Authorised in 37 states Electrocution: In 10 states (sole method in Nebraska) Gas chamber: In five states (all of which have lethal injection as alternative) Hanging: Only in New Hampshire and Washington Firing squad: In Idaho and Oklahoma

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