Washington (CNN) -- The United States apologized Friday for a 1946-1948 research study in which people in Guatemala were intentionally infected with sexually transmitted diseases. A statement by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius called the action "reprehensible." "We deeply regret that it happened, and we apologize to all the individuals who were affected by such abhorrent research practices," the joint statement said. "The conduct exhibited during the study does not represent the values of the United States, or our commitment to human dignity and great respect for the people of Guatemala."
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Obama offers "profound apologies"
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Guatemala accepts the apology, the presidential spokesman said
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The United States is launching an investigation
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The research was "reprehensible," the U.S. statement said
"We know that this took place some time ago, but this is unacceptable and we recognize the apology from @placeholder."