By now most African Americans are or should be familiar with the stories of the “Tuskegee Experiments,” “Henrietta Lacks” and “James Marion Sims (known as the father of modern gynecology).” These stories tell an undisputed truth about the systemic racism, inequality and the egregious nature of America’s duplicity. It wasn’t out of a sense of quiet generosity that many Americans who came in contact with the criminal justice system were exploited through unethical, and unsanctioned medical experiments.
Using people in vulnerable circumstances as lab rats has been habitual in the history of our country; particularly with individuals of African descent. No matter what the rationalizations and/or justifications; from a moral standpoint, it’s wrong and a totally inappropriate and inhumane practice. Nevertheless, this has been a well hidden problem within the medical profession in our society and there’s documented proof of the wrongful actions, along with the harm these actions caused. It shouldn’t be difficult at all for anyone to understand why there’s such hesitation within communities of color as the nation seeks to vaccinate people amid a pandemic.
While many are aware of Tuskegee, other lesser-known events include the experiments of Dr. Leo Stanley, Chief Surgeon at San Quentin Prison and Dr. Albert Kligman, Dermatologist, University of Pennsylvania.
From 1913 to 1951, Dr. Leo Stanley, Chief Surgeon at San Quentin Prison routinely used prisoners as test subjects in a variety of unethical medical experiments. His experiments included sterilization and potential treatments for the Spanish Flu (1918). One of his more disturbing experiments included testicle transplants on prisoners and in some cases, from goats or boars.
This information is documented in an article on San Francisco history, entitled The San Quentin Doctor Who Performed over 10,000 Human Experiments by Kate Dowd, SFGate (August 2019). https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/leo-stanley-gland-rejuvenation-surgery-14298920.php
Dr. Albert Kligman, a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania and inventor of Retin-A began experimenting with inmates at Holmesburg Prison in 1951. For 20 years he used their bodies in experiments involving toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, skin creams, detergents, liquid diets, foot powders and hair dyes. Kligman made the statement, “All I saw before me were acres of skin. It was like a farmer seeing a field for the first time.” This is documented in a New York Times article, with calls for the University of Pennsylvania to sever ties with Kligman that can be documented in another article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The statement speaks to how detached Kligman was from his test subjects. Yet, he and his achievements are celebrated by the University of Pennsylvania. Also complicit in the good doctor’s unethical research were Dow Corning, Johnson & Johnson, and the U.S. Army—as Kligman received a $10,000 grant the effects of various chemicals on their behalf. One of the chemicals that it’s known that Kligman tested on non-consenting prisoners was dioxin. Dioxin is the active ingredient in Agent Orange, which is a recognized carcinogen. How Black Prison Inmates in Philadelphia were Turned into Human Guinea Pigs: A Memoir, by Allen Hornblum… (February 2018), www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/black-prison-inmates-experiments
Government sanctioned human testing has a long nefarious history in the United States and has continually been used as a means to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of modern medicine; but, saying the ends justify the means is just plain immoral and goes against the Hippocratic Oath. The Hippocratic Oath States in part that a doctor, “Should do no harm.” That hasn’t been the case; particularly, when it comes to the vulnerable in American society. Yes, there have been more than a few radical, lifesaving, life changing strides achieved in the medical field, as a result of some medical experiments. Despite those medical advances from these unethical experiments, there remains a deep seeded spirit of mistrust in communities of color.
Research studies and clinical trials are rational essential components of medicine. Such research is a necessity in practical advances for developing pharmaceuticals and also in finding potential treatments and cures for diseases. Because of past transgressions and to be certain of transparency in the process; the Institutional Review Board was established on July 12,1974. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is made up of individuals who have training in scientific areas, individuals who have expertise and training in non-scientific areas and members of the community who would participate in research studies.
African Americans aren’t novelties; we’ve been here for as long as there’s been a human race. Incarcerated men and women aren’t perpetual pools of guinea pigs, to be used as test subjects so that corporations, individuals, governments and other institutions can experience financial gain or increase their profiles and prestige. Skating the fine line between illegal and immoral may be palpable to those who benefit; but, it’s certainly not the way in which honest people gain trust.
Because it’s Black History Month, I feel strongly about bringing these buried stories to light for those who are unaware. We’ve been versed in the stories and history of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman and some others; but, the full extent of Black history is yet be told…past, present and future. I don’t bring these events to the reader’s attention to be negative; but, only in a conscious effort to pass on parts our story that have eluded us through no fault of our own.
In reality this isn’t just Black History it’s American History. Redemption is possible if we acknowledge atone and reconcile for past misdeeds. When we get to that point we’ll truly be living up to the words in the preamble of our Constitution…”One nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
I don’t say all of this to say to get vaccinated or not. It’s a personal decision. I am advocating that we know our history and be aware of conditions, procedures, and consequences. The previously mentioned events were conducted without our knowledge. Are things different?
