Peter Buxtun has passed away Obituary – Cause of Death : “Peter Buxtun, key figure in Tuskegee study, passes away at 86”

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Peter Buxtun, the courageous whistleblower of the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study. Buxtun, who was 86 years old at the time of his death, was a key figure in exposing the unethical and inhumane treatment of African American men in the study.

The Tuskegee syphilis study, conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service from 1932 to 1972, involved withholding treatment from hundreds of African American men with syphilis in order to study the progression of the disease. Buxtun, a former employee of the Public Health Service, discovered the study’s unethical practices and brought them to light in the early 1970s.

Buxtun’s bravery in coming forward with the truth about the study ultimately led to its termination and sparked important changes in research ethics and regulations. His actions were instrumental in ensuring that such atrocities would never be repeated.

While the exact cause of Buxtun’s death has not been confirmed, his legacy as a whistleblower and advocate for ethical research practices will continue to inspire future generations. His courage and dedication to justice serve as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for what is right.

Our thoughts are with Buxtun’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing and may his legacy live on in the fight for ethical research practices and human rights. Rest in peace, Peter Buxtun.

It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Peter Buxtun, the whistleblower who exposed the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study. Buxtun, who was 86 years old at the time of his death, played a pivotal role in bringing to light one of the most egregious violations of medical ethics in modern history. His courage and tenacity in speaking out against the study ultimately led to its termination and sparked widespread reforms in the field of medical research.

Who was Peter Buxtun?

Peter Buxtun was a public health official working for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) in the 1960s. He was assigned to the Venereal Disease Branch, where he came across information about a long-running study that was being conducted in Tuskegee, Alabama. Buxtun was disturbed by what he discovered and made the decision to speak out against the unethical practices that were taking place.

What was the Tuskegee syphilis study?

The Tuskegee syphilis study was a clinical study conducted by the USPHS from 1932 to 1972. The study aimed to observe the natural progression of syphilis in African American men who had contracted the disease. However, the participants were not informed of the true nature of the study, nor were they given appropriate treatment for their condition. This lack of informed consent and medical treatment constituted a grave violation of medical ethics.

How did Peter Buxtun blow the whistle on the study?

In 1966, Peter Buxtun wrote a letter to his superiors at the USPHS expressing his concerns about the Tuskegee syphilis study. He detailed the unethical practices that were taking place and urged them to take action to end the study. However, his concerns were largely ignored, and it wasn’t until he leaked information to the press that the study was finally brought to an end in 1972.

What was the impact of Peter Buxtun’s actions?

Peter Buxtun’s decision to blow the whistle on the Tuskegee syphilis study had far-reaching consequences. The study’s exposure led to widespread outrage and condemnation, both within the medical community and among the general public. It also prompted a reevaluation of ethical guidelines for medical research and the establishment of stricter regulations to protect the rights of research participants.

What is Peter Buxtun’s legacy?

Peter Buxtun will be remembered as a courageous whistleblower who stood up against injustice and fought to protect the rights of vulnerable populations. His actions helped to bring an end to a harmful and unethical study and paved the way for greater transparency and accountability in medical research. Buxtun’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing and advocating for the ethical treatment of all individuals.

In conclusion, the passing of Peter Buxtun is a reminder of the impact that one individual can have in exposing and addressing systemic injustices. His bravery and determination in confronting the Tuskegee syphilis study will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to inspire others to stand up for what is right. Rest in peace, Peter Buxtun.

Sources:
– New York Times
– NPR
– CNN