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Why the U.S. infected thousands of people with hepatitis

Air Date:
Heard On The Morning Show
Tools used to extract a liver for research
This photograph depicts the items used in the postmortem extraction of a liver specimen to be histologically examined for signs of liver disease, such as hepatitis. Included here, is a bottle of tissue fixative, a viscerotome, and a two-part biopsy needle, i.e., trocar and needle. Public Health Image Library of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

For three decades in the 20th century, researchers deliberately infected thousands of people with hepatitis — including more than 800 children. We speak to the author of a new book about the experiments to learn why they happened and how we can protect people in the battle against other illnesses.

Episode Credits

  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Joe Tarr Producer
  • Maria Lopez Technical Director
  • Sydney Halpern Guest

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