The Holmesburg Prison Experiments
From the 1950s through the 1970s, Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia became infamous for its dermatological and chemical experiments led by Dr. Albert Kligman. Prisoners were subjected to exposure to cosmetic products, pharmaceuticals, and even chemical agents, often without true informed consent. Many participants suffered long-term health consequences. These studies have become emblematic of the ethical abuses possible when vulnerable populations are not protected. For a detailed account of these events, visit Penn Today.
