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Peter Buxtun, Whistleblower of Tuskegee Study, Passes Away at 86

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Buxtun, the brave individual who exposed the horrific Tuskegee study conducted by the U.S. government. Buxtun, who died at the age of 86, brought to light the unethical experiment that left hundreds of Black men untreated for syphilis in rural Alabama over several decades.

According to his attorney Minna Fernan, Buxtun succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease on May 18 in Rocklin, Calif. His courageous actions in the early 1970s shed light on the disturbing reality that these men were misled about receiving treatment for their condition.

The Tuskegee study, which began in 1932, involved the U.S. Public Health Service and the Tuskegee Institute observing the “natural history of syphilis” in 600 Black men, with 399 of them infected with the disease. Despite medical exams, meals, and burial insurance provided to the participants, they were never informed about the true nature of the study nor offered penicillin when it became available in 1943.

As a public health worker in San Francisco, Buxtun discovered the project in the 1960s and tried to raise concerns about the lack of ethics involved. Unfortunately, his efforts were dismissed, and it wasn’t until he leaked documents to The Associated Press in 1972 that the study was halted after four decades.

Thanks to Buxtun’s bravery, the participants in the study received a $10 million settlement, and new laws were put in place to protect research subjects. Even former President Bill Clinton issued an apology for the shameful study more than 20 years later.

Today, we honor Peter Buxtun for his honesty and courage in exposing this dark chapter in history. His legacy will live on through organizations like the Voices for Our Fathers Legacy Foundation, dedicated to preserving the memory of those affected by the Tuskegee study and promoting ethical research practices.

Rest in peace, Peter Buxtun, and thank you for your unwavering dedication to justice.

Peter Buxtun, Tuskegee Study Whistleblower, Dies at Age 86

Peter Buxtun, the man who blew the whistle on the infamous Tuskegee Study, has passed away at the age of 86. His actions were instrumental in bringing an end to one of the most unethical medical experiments in American history. Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of this courageous whistleblower.

Who was Peter Buxtun?

Peter Buxtun was a public health official working for the U.S. Public Health Service in the 1960s. In 1966, he discovered that the government was conducting a study on untreated syphilis in African American men in Tuskegee, Alabama. Despite facing backlash and threats to his career, Buxtun decided to speak out against the unethical study.

What was the Tuskegee Study?

The Tuskegee Study, also known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, was a research project conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service from 1932 to 1972. The study aimed to observe the natural progression of syphilis in African American men by withholding treatment from them, even after penicillin became widely available as a cure for the disease.

Why was the Tuskegee Study unethical?

The Tuskegee Study was considered unethical for several reasons. First and foremost, the participants were not informed of the true nature of the study and were not given the option to receive treatment for their condition. This violated the basic principles of medical ethics, which require informed consent and the well-being of research subjects.

What was the impact of Peter Buxtun’s actions?

Peter Buxtun’s decision to expose the Tuskegee Study had a profound impact on medical research ethics in the United States. His whistleblowing led to the termination of the study in 1972 and the implementation of new regulations to protect the rights of research subjects. Buxtun’s courage in speaking out against injustice paved the way for greater accountability in the field of public health.

How is Peter Buxtun remembered today?

Peter Buxtun is remembered as a hero who stood up against institutionalized racism and unethical medical practices. His actions helped to spark a national conversation about the importance of ethical standards in research and the need to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations. Buxtun’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of one individual to make a difference in the fight for justice.

In conclusion, Peter Buxtun’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to speak out against injustice and uphold the highest ethical standards in all areas of life. May we never forget the courage and integrity of this remarkable whistleblower.

Sources:
– New York Times
– NPR
– Washington Post