50 years after the Holmesburg Prison medical testing program, survivors and descendants seek reparations for the unethical treatment from 1951-1974.

Fifty years after ending a controversial medical testing program at Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, survivors and their descendants are pursuing reparations. From 1951 to 1974, thousands, primarily Black, endured painful tests and harmful treatments in exchange for minimal compensation. Led by dermatologist Albert M. Kligman, the research contributed to products like Retin-A. Despite apologies from the city and university, legal efforts for reparations have largely failed.

October 23, 2024
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