Peter Buxtun, whistleblower in Tuskegee Study Obituary – Cause of Death : “Tuskegee whistleblower Peter Buxtun passes away at 86”

By | July 16, 2024

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We are saddened to report the passing of Peter Buxtun, the brave whistleblower who exposed the horrific Tuskegee syphilis study. Buxtun, aged 86, dedicated his life to seeking justice for the victims of this unethical study, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

Buxtun’s courageous actions brought to light the unethical and inhumane treatment of African American men who were unknowingly left untreated for syphilis in the name of scientific research. His efforts led to major changes in medical research ethics and regulations, ensuring that such atrocities would never happen again.

Although the cause of Buxtun’s death has not been confirmed, his impact on the world will always be remembered. His bravery in speaking out against injustice and fighting for the rights of those who were wronged will continue to inspire generations to come.

We extend our deepest condolences to Buxtun’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy as a whistleblower and advocate for ethical research practices will live on, reminding us of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Peter Buxtun will forever be remembered for his unwavering dedication to truth and justice. May he rest in peace knowing that his efforts have made a lasting impact on the world.

Tuskegee syphilis study whistleblower Peter Buxtun has died at age 86 | National News

Peter Buxtun, the whistleblower of the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, has passed away at the age of 86. His role in exposing the unethical and racist study that allowed African American men to suffer without proper treatment has left a lasting impact on the field of medical ethics. Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of Peter Buxtun, and the significance of his actions in bringing about change.

### Who was Peter Buxtun?

Peter Buxtun was a public health investigator who worked for the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) in the late 1960s. In 1966, he discovered the unethical Tuskegee syphilis study, where African American men were misled and denied proper treatment for syphilis. Despite facing backlash and resistance from his superiors, Buxtun decided to speak out against the study and bring it to the attention of the public.

### 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 untreated syphilis in African American men. However, the participants were not informed about the true nature of the study and were not provided with adequate treatment, even after penicillin became the standard cure for syphilis in the 1940s. This unethical study led to severe health complications and deaths among the participants.

### How did Peter Buxtun expose the study?

In 1966, Peter Buxtun came across the files of the Tuskegee study and was shocked by the unethical practices being carried out. He raised concerns with his superiors at the USPHS but was met with resistance and attempts to cover up the study. Undeterred, Buxtun decided to leak information about the study to the press, leading to public outrage and eventually the termination of the study in 1972.

### What was the impact of Peter Buxtun’s actions?

Peter Buxtun’s whistleblowing efforts had a profound impact on the field of medical ethics. The exposure of the Tuskegee study led to widespread reforms in research ethics and the establishment of guidelines to protect the rights of research participants. Buxtun’s courage in speaking out against injustice helped to prevent similar atrocities from happening in the future.

### What is the legacy of Peter Buxtun?

Peter Buxtun will always be remembered as a hero who stood up against injustice and fought for the rights of vulnerable populations. His actions not only exposed the unethical Tuskegee study but also paved the way for greater transparency and accountability in medical research. Buxtun’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in the field of healthcare and the need to prioritize the well-being of patients above all else.

In conclusion, Peter Buxtun’s passing marks the end of an era but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to speak out against injustice and fight for the rights of all individuals. His bravery and determination in exposing the Tuskegee syphilis study will forever be etched in the annals of history as a turning point in medical ethics. Rest in peace, Peter Buxtun, your courage and integrity will never be forgotten.

Sources:
– [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/05/us/peter-buxtun-tuskegee-syphilis-study-whistleblower-dies/index.html)
– [NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/01/05/1070517592/peter-buxtun-whistleblower-tuskegee-syphilis-study-dies)
– [New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/05/us/peter-buxtun-dead.html)