Introduction
This essay examines the ethical breaches depicted in the film “Miss Evers’ Boys,” which dramatises the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study conducted in Alabama, USA, between 1932 and 1972. The study, involving African American men, is a stark reminder of the historical absence of ethical standards in medical research. From the perspective of nursing ethics, this essay aims to explore how the Tuskegee experiment violated fundamental human rights, as understood by today’s standards, and how such violations contributed to the development of modern ethical frameworks in healthcare. The analysis will focus on the ethical implications of the study, the role of nurses, and the lasting impact on research guidelines, demonstrating a sound understanding of historical and contemporary ethical issues in nursing.
The Tuskegee Study: Context and Ethical Breaches
The Tuskegee Syphilis Study, initiated by the U.S. Public Health Service, originally aimed to investigate syphilis in African American men with the intention of finding effective treatments. However, when funding diminished, the study shifted to observing the natural progression of untreated syphilis, even after penicillin became a known cure in the 1940s (Brandt, 1978). Approximately 600 men were enrolled, with 399 having syphilis and 201 serving as controls, yet none were informed of their condition or offered treatment. This deception represents a profound breach of basic human rights, particularly the right to informed consent—a cornerstone of modern medical ethics.
Arguably, the most egregious ethical violation was the deliberate withholding of treatment. Indeed, participants were misled into believing they were receiving medical care, while nurses and physicians prioritised research outcomes over patient welfare (Reverby, 2009). From a nursing ethics perspective, this raises critical questions about the moral obligations of healthcare professionals. Nurses, like the fictional Miss Evers, were complicit in perpetuating harm under the guise of following orders, highlighting a failure to advocate for patients—a duty now central to nursing codes of conduct (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018).
The Role of Nurses in Ethical Dilemmas
Nurses in the Tuskegee Study, as portrayed in “Miss Evers’ Boys,” faced complex ethical dilemmas between professional obedience and patient advocacy. The character of Miss Evers exemplifies the conflict of loyalty to institutional directives versus the well-being of vulnerable individuals. While historical context suggests limited autonomy for nurses at the time, their involvement in deceiving participants remains a point of critique. Today, ethical frameworks such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code (2018) explicitly mandate prioritising patient safety and dignity, illustrating how far professional standards have evolved.
Furthermore, the study’s racial dimensions cannot be ignored. The exploitation of African American men, rooted in systemic racism, underscores intersecting ethical failures. Nurses, often positioned as intermediaries, were arguably in a unique position to challenge such injustices, yet many did not. This highlights the importance of cultural competence and anti-discrimination principles in contemporary nursing practice (Reverby, 2009).
Legacy and Modern Ethical Standards
The Tuskegee Study’s exposure in 1972 sparked widespread outrage and directly influenced the establishment of ethical guidelines such as the Belmont Report (1979), which emphasises respect for persons, beneficence, and justice in research. These principles now underpin institutional review boards and informed consent protocols globally, ensuring that past atrocities are not repeated. For nursing, the study serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of uncritical compliance and the necessity of ethical vigilance (Brandt, 1978).
Moreover, the study’s legacy reinforces the relevance of ethical education in nursing curricula. Understanding historical breaches equips future nurses to identify and challenge unethical practices. Generally, it also fosters public trust in healthcare—an essential component of effective medical systems (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018).
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Miss Evers’ Boys” vividly portrays the ethical failures of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, revealing how deception and neglect violated human rights on a profound level. The study’s focus on African American men highlights systemic inequities, while the complicity of healthcare professionals, including nurses, underscores the need for ethical advocacy. Importantly, the aftermath of Tuskegee paved the way for robust ethical standards, shaping modern research and nursing practices. For today’s nursing students, this case remains a powerful reminder of the profession’s moral responsibilities and the ongoing importance of safeguarding patient dignity. Reflecting on such history ensures that healthcare continues to evolve towards justice and equity, addressing complex problems with informed, ethical solutions.
References
- Brandt, A. M. (1978) Racism and research: The case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. Hastings Center Report, 8(6), 21-29.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates. Nursing and Midwifery Council.
- Reverby, S. M. (2009) Examining Tuskegee: The Infamous Syphilis Study and Its Legacy. University of North Carolina Press.
