Ethics Context

Since World War II, considerations of social justice have been implicit in expressions of public concern over the conduct of research involving humans. Strict limitations on research involving individuals not capable of giving valid consent, in particular those in detention or imprisoned, arose from the horrific experimentation undertaken by the Nazis during World War II. Later, revelations of controversial research involving individuals not able to give consent, individuals who were institutionalized, subordinates in a hierarchically structured group, foetuses, and members of less developed and less affluent communities and societies raised further concern over the exploitation of vulnerable persons in research.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) activists have argued that research subjects are best respected not by protecting them against research risks, but by ensuring freedom of choice and participation in research. Concerns with equity issues have also meant that the benefits of research should be shared among the entire population including women, the elderly, people of diverse racial, ethnic, social and economic backgrounds, as well as people who are incompetent to consent for themselves. Ethical conduct of research now involves balancing the need to protect vulnerable persons with the need to ensure that these groups have access to participation in potentially beneficial research.