… sexual partners of these men had no idea that they were exposing themselves to a dangerous disease. Instead of medical professionals educating the black community about the prevalence of the disease, informing them of ways to protect themselves, and providing access to a known treatment, they intentionally allowed syphilis to run amok, telling these men they were being treated for “bad blood.” Ask not why Black Americans have distrust for medical professionals, and instead, ask why doctors have mistreated them so frequently.
Dr. Allison Wiltz