The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment

In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," Josh and Chuck delve into the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment, a controversial study where black men with syphilis were left untreated to observe the disease's progression. They discuss the origins of the study in Macon County, Alabama, the false pretenses under which the men participated, and the ethical implications of withholding penicillin treatment. The hosts explore the historical context, including the Jim Crow South and the Nuremberg trials, and highlight the efforts of individuals like Peter Buxton who tried to expose the study. They also examine the long-term effects of the experiment on the African American community's trust in the medical establishment, as well as the changes in medical ethics and regulations that followed its exposure. Additionally, they touch on a similar experiment conducted in Guatemala and the ongoing issue of structural racism in healthcare.