The ‘unfortunate experiment’ in new research

The ‘unfortunate experiment’ documented in new research

University of Otago research has affirmed the findings of the Cartwright Report of 1987-88. Yesterday's release says:

Women whose treatment for pre-cancerous cervical disease was withheld or delayed in Dr Herbert Green’s controversial clinical study at National Women’s Hospital suffered far more harm than those who were treated early to cure it, according to the first full analysis of the women’s medical experiences and outcomes.

The new analysis of the 1965-74 study, which was deemed to be unethical by a judicial inquiry in 1988, was performed by a multi- disciplinary team led by Dr Margaret McCredie of the University of Otago. … for the first time researchers were able to look at the treatment of different women for the same pre-cancerous condition which was initiated both before (1955-1964) and after (1974-1975) the ten-year period when Dr Green’s clinical study took place. Using this method, the differences in treatment and outcomes for women in Dr Green’s study group have been highlighted.

The Cartwright Papers (December 2009) includes essays by key participants and commentators:

Professor Sir David Skegg (Vice Chancellor of the University of Otago), co-author of the Otago research

Professor Charlotte Paul, medical adviser to the Inquiry, and co- author of the Otago research

Clare Matheson, who has provided eloquent testimony from her experience of Dr Green’s study

Sandra Coney, the journalist who wrote the Metro article leading to the Inquiry

Dr Ron Jones, a co-author of the 1984 article raising questions about Dr Green’s research

And essays that reflect on the issues raised by the debate:

Professor Barbara Brookes, commenting on Linda Bryder’s recent revisionist history

Associate Professor Jo Manning, writing from a background in law and medical ethics

Ron Paterson, former Health & Disability Commissioner. Associate Professor Jan Crosthwaite and Professor Alastair Campbell, considering the ethical issues

The Cartwright Papers: Essays on the Cervical Cancer Inquiry of 1987-88, edited by Joanna Manning, published by Bridget Williams Books. RRP $39.99

ENDS

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