Human Guinea Pigs

Case 1--Studying HIV/AIDS

In the February 2007 Issue of Essence Magazine, writer Kristal Brent Zook pens a disturbing article on a study known as The New York City AIDS Experiment. The subtitle goes on to explain that over a 13 year period (1988-2001), a government agency tested potentially dangerous AIDS drugs on Black and Latino foster children, ages 6 months and younger, most without parental permission but largely in the name of medical research.

The article goes on to describe the experiences of several families involved in the "clinical research." Families discussed how they were brought into the study unknowingly while others believed that the "meds" were in the best interest of their children and yet others joined for financial compensation. One story is of the HIV Pediatric Nurse, Jacqueline Hoerger who now lives in Canada. Ms. Hoerger at the time worked for Incarnation Children's Center in Harlem, NY and one of the private agencies taking part in the clinical trials. She followed instructions and would administer the drugs to foster children. When she fell in love and became a foster parent to two HIV-positive sisters ages 3 and 6, from the Center, the medical treatments took on a more personal note. She continued to mother the little girls and provide them with all the help they needed including healthcare as advised by the doctors. What she began to notice was that despite the best schools, diet and rest, one of the young girls showed signs of hyperactivity and did not eat. She also noticed that the other child would overeat but would not talk, move or play." Other parents reported symptoms that included cramps, diarrhea, swollen joints and intense pain upon touch.