The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study - Essay Example

The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Introduction Allan M. Brandt wrote an article in which he wished to highlight racism in research. In this article, Allan Brandt wished to show to the world the enduring racism in American society. According to Allan Brandt, the Tuskegee study occurred from 1932-1972 in which subjects were involved in studies on syphilis, and then left untreated. According to Allan Brandt, this study was a shame to American medical research. Brandt states that 400 men, in Alabama, died as public officials and doctors watched, in a scientific study that did not produce meaningful information about syphilis.

In his article, Allan Brandt implies that the subjects in the test were forced to participate in the study, and treatment that could have cured them after the study was held back (Brandt, 1978). Most of the men in the study were restricted from visiting physicians for treatment. Consequently, scores died painful deaths as other became insane, blind and bore children with congenital syphilis. Though Allan Brandt raised essential ethical issues in medical research, it is wrong for him to state that the study showed, “American racism”.

It is crucial for Brandt to comprehend that the issues that rose from the study had their basis on ethical standards. It is significant for the author of the article to note that five of the top medical officials involved in the study had African American origin, and in my opinion, they would not wish to, racially, mistreat their brothers (Brandt, 1978). This study lacked medical ethics, and those that existed rapidly deteriorated. The lack of ethical standards in medical studies during this period is what resulted to the most shameful medical study of the century.

The medical issues in this case concern non-consensual treatment engaging humans in dangerous and unprotected medical studies and restricting treatment and social assistance to the subjects in the study.ConclusionThough Brandt raises critical issues in his article, I would state that the issues concerning the Tuskegee study had their basis on ethical standards and not enduring racism. All the authorities in the study did not function in the interest of the participants and the American citizens.

In fact, they endangered the lives of all Americans by exposing them to a deadly biological agent. Racial tactics could not have worked in such a setting because the study involved 3 out of 5 medical officers of African American origin, and they would have opposed the plan; in my opinion. ReferenceBrandt, A. (1978). Racism and Research: The Case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Hasting Center Magazine. Page 1-10.