Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

Jewish Refugee Children Used As Human Guinea Pigs in Medical Experiments in Austria

September 21, 1947
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

Medical experiments in which Jewish children were used as human guinea pigs have been performed in at least one Vienna hospital, it was revealed here today. International Refugee Organization officers and the Austrian Government have already been informed of the fact and have been asked to take action.

The experiments were discovered during a routine investigation by two Jewish doctors attached to the I.R.O. at the Steinhof hospital where some 60 DP children between the ages of two and six are confined with measles. One of the doctors observed a fresh dressing over an incision on the chest of a two-year-old Rumanian refugee.

When he asked an interne for an explanation, the I.R.O. inspector was referred to the chief of service, a Dr. Primarius Zikowski. Zikowski admitted that the incision was not connected with the treatment for measles, and, when pressed further, listed 20 operations including lumbar injections and skin grafts which were performed on the measles patients.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement