I highly recommend watching this video of the presidential apology on the Tuskegee study. Although lengthy, I found it very interesting. Former President Bill Clinton’s apology on behalf of the United States government, provides significant closure to the remaining Tuskegee participants.
The video begins by addressing the impact of the Syphilis study. It states that the information gained was “irredeemably cruel,” and that “medical professionals willingly and intentionally let human beings suffer from a treatable, and then curable, illness.” In regards to our discussion in class, the video seemingly puts the physicians at fault for the mistreatment of African-Americans in the study. It further states the impact it had on people overall, saying “To this day, the Tuskegee study makes some Americans think twice about donating blood or taking their children for vaccinations or signing an organ donor card.” Although patients were not asked to give their consent in the Tuskegee study, many today decline participating because of their mistrust of medical professionals.
Herman Shaw, as mentioned in Examining Tuskegee, was a past Tuskegee participant. He is seen in the video presenting a small speech on the study as well as announcing his appreciation for the presidential apology and his request for a memorial. He addresses the late participants of the study and their families, stating what a shame it is for their lives to have been lost when “their death and suffering was preventable.” He then introduces past President Bill Clinton and thanks him for his acknowledgment of the study.
Clinton sincerely apologizes for the impact of the Tuskegee study. He formally announces, “On behalf of the American people, what the United States Government did was shameful- and I...am...sorry.” He acknowledges the regret he holds for the treatment of African Americans. He further states, “They were betrayed. Medical people are supposed to help when we need care, but even once a cure was discovered they were denied the help, and they were lied to...by their government.” Clinton addresses that the government, as well as the medical professionals, are to take responsibility for the effects of the Tuskegee study on syphilis.
It is somewhat long, but if interested, I strongly suggest watching the video.
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