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Strange History

“Guinea Pigs in Chains”: A History of Medical Experiments on Prisoners

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Prisoners as Subjects in U.S. Vaccine Trials

Prisoners as Subjects in U.S. Vaccine Trials
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Throughout the mid-20th century, American prisons became sites for vaccine experiments, notably hepatitis and malaria studies at places like Holmesburg Prison. Researchers justified these trials by emphasizing the need for controlled environments and a steady pool of test subjects. However, prisoners often faced significant risks and were not always given informed consent. The ethical implications of these studies sparked public outcry and debate. For a deeper look at these experiments, see The New York Times.

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