Arkansas Jail Settles Lawsuit Over Ivermectin Administration
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Chapter 1: Overview of the Lawsuit
Four inmates from an Arkansas jail reached a settlement of $2,000 each after suing the facility for administering ivermectin, an anti-parasitic medication not authorized for COVID-19 treatment, without their consent. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas announced the settlement.
The inmates reported being misled into thinking they were receiving vitamins, antibiotics, or steroids, only to discover later that they were given ivermectin. They experienced side effects, including vision disturbances, stomach cramps, and diarrhea after ingesting the drug. One of the plaintiffs, Nicholas Frazier, expressed his fear, stating, “I was terrified. I didn’t know what could happen to me. I didn’t know if I would survive.”
Section 1.1: ACLU's Response
The ACLU, which represented the inmates, hailed the settlement as a significant achievement for civil rights and medical ethics. They asserted that the jail violated the inmates’ constitutional rights by conducting medical experiments without obtaining informed consent.
“This settlement represents a triumph for civil rights and medical ethics. It clearly indicates that individuals in custody possess the same rights to bodily autonomy as anyone else,” remarked Holly Dickson, executive director of the ACLU of Arkansas.
Subsection 1.1.1: Key Individuals Involved
The lawsuit identified Dr. Robert Karas, who prescribed ivermectin to the inmates, along with Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder, who manages the jail. The settlement was reached on October 5 and subsequently approved by a federal judge on October 6.
Section 1.2: Medical Ethics in Question
“We will not remain passive while individuals are subjected to experimentation in our jails,” stated Eddie Armstrong III, the attorney for the plaintiffs.
Ivermectin has been incorrectly promoted as a remedy for COVID-19 by various conservative politicians and media, despite health authorities warning against its use, stating that it is ineffective and potentially harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.
“Ivermectin is not approved by the FDA for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel has found insufficient data to recommend its use for this purpose,” the FDA clarified in a statement.
Chapter 2: The Controversy Surrounding Ivermectin
The first video discusses the unethical testing of ivermectin on Arkansas detainees without their consent, raising serious ethical questions.
The second video covers allegations that inmates were administered ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment without their consent, highlighting ongoing legal and ethical debates.
Some advocates for ivermectin argue that it is a safe and effective treatment, citing its use by billions since the 1980s and its inclusion on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines. “Ivermectin is a Nobel Prize-winning drug that has been safely used by 3.7 billion people since the 1980s. It is recognized by WHO for treating parasitic infections,” stated Dr. Pierre Kory, president of the Frontline COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance.
However, experts caution that existing studies do not conclusively support the drug's efficacy in real-world scenarios for treating COVID-19. They also warn that high doses of ivermectin can lead to severe adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even death.
The controversy surrounding ivermectin has led to confusion and debate in various states and countries. In Arkansas, Governor Asa Hutchinson stated that he was unaware of any state agency endorsing or authorizing its use for COVID-19. He advised individuals to consult their healthcare providers before taking any medications.
The practice of testing experimental drugs on incarcerated individuals in the U.S. has a troubling history of exploitation and abuse. Past instances include unethical experiments involving diseases such as syphilis and malaria. The Nuremberg Code, established after World War II, emphasizes the necessity of voluntary consent in human research.
Relevant articles: - US prisoners who did not consent to ivermectin Covid treatment win payout, The Guardian, Tue 10 Oct 2023 - Inmates given ivermectin in jail will each get $2,000 after settlement, The Detroit News, Sun 10 Oct 2023 - Settlement Reached In Lawsuit From People Who Said They Were Given Ivermectin In Jail Without Consent, MSN, Wed 6 Oct 2023 - Arkansas jail inmates settle lawsuit with doctor who prescribed them ivermectin for COVID-19, MSN, Wed 6 Oct 2023
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