Readout of the President's Call with Guatemalan President Colom

This afternoon, President Obama spoke with President Alvaro Colom of Guatemala to express his deep regret regarding the study conducted by the U.S. Public Health Service in the 1940s on sexually transmitted disease inoculation and to extend an apology to all those affected. The President reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to ensure that all human medical studies conducted today meet exacting U.S. and international legal and ethical standards. He also underscored the United States' deep respect for the people of Guatemala and the importance of our bilateral relationship.

A photograph of the President during this call is available HERE.