RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

Title: Ethics: Protecting Human Subjects.

Author: Anonymous (For Peer Review).

Institution: University of the People.

HS 4990 –AY2024-T3- Research Methods in Health Science Part 1

Instructor: Lyliana Crespo.

Written Assignment Unit 7.

Due Date: 21st. March 2024.

1
 RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

Ethics: Protecting Human Subjects.

Introduction

Research ethics is a fundamental aspect of scientific inquiry, especially in fields

like medicine where human subjects are involved. Upholding ethical standards ensures

the protection of participants' rights, dignity, and well-being, and it fosters trust in the

scientific community (Resnik, 2020). However, history bears witness to instances where

research has egregiously violated these principles, leading to grave consequences for the

subjects involved. One such notorious cases are the Tuskegee Study of Untreated

Syphilis in the Negro Male (Tobin, 2022) and the STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease)

study conducted in Guatemala (Spector‐Bagdady & Lombardo, 2019), that stand out as

stark reminders of the importance of human subjects' protection in research.

Research Ethics and Its Importance

Research ethics encompasses principles and guidelines that govern the conduct of

scientific investigations involving human subjects. Critical principles as postulated by

White (2020) include respect for autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Respecting autonomy requires obtaining informed consent from participants and

ensuring they understand the risks and benefits of participation. Beneficence and non-

maleficence entail maximizing benefits and minimizing harm to participants. Justice

requires a fair distribution of research burdens and benefits (White, 2020).

The importance of research ethics cannot be overstated. It safeguards the rights and

welfare of participants, maintains public trust in research, and upholds the integrity of

scientific findings (White, 2020). Without ethical guidelines, research runs the risk of

exploitation, harm, and erosion of public confidence.

2
 RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

Unethical Treatment of Human Subjects: Summary of the STD Study in

Guatemala

One instance of unethical treatment of human subjects is the STD study conducted

by The U.S. Public Health Service on sexually transmitted disease (STD) experiments

in Guatemala from 1946 to 1948, aiming to improve STD prophylaxis among U.S.

military personnel. Led by John C. Cutler, the study involved the intentional exposure

of over 1,300 individuals, including sex workers, soldiers, prisoners, and psychiatric

patients, to STDs (Sexually Transmitted Disease) without their informed consent.

Methods of exposure ranged from sexual intercourse to direct inoculation with infected

material. Additionally, over 800 prisoners, children, psychiatric patients, and subjecting

leprosy patients to serology experiments without consent. Despite knowledge of the

unethical nature of these experiments, they remained hidden until revealed in 2010. The

aftermath saw apologies from the U.S. government, academic institutions renaming

awards, and lawsuits seeking redress for victims. However, no reparations have been

made to the affected individuals or their families, highlighting ongoing challenges in

protecting research subjects and addressing historical transgressions (Spector‐Bagdady

& Lombardo, 2019).

Reasons for Unethical Treatment

Several factors contributed to this unethical treatment. Firstly, prevailing attitudes

towards vulnerable populations, like prisoners and psychiatric patients, may have

dehumanized them, leading to their exploitation in research. In addition, the absence of

robust ethical guidelines and oversight mechanisms allowed researchers to proceed

without adequate ethical scrutiny. Furthermore, the pursuit of scientific knowledge and

3
 RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

medical advancements may have overshadowed ethical considerations, leading

researchers to prioritize scientific gains over human rights.

Prevention of Unethical Treatment

Preventing such unethical treatment requires the implementation of distinct

measures. First, stringent ethical guidelines must be established, emphasizing the

importance of informed consent, respect for autonomy, and protection of vulnerable

populations. Institutional review boards (IRBs) should oversee research protocols to

ensure compliance with ethical standards. Researchers must prioritize the well-being of

participants over scientific interests and engage in transparent and ethical practices

throughout the research process (World Medical Association, 2022).

Lessons from Unethical Experiments

Even though the STD study in Guatemala represents a dark chapter in the history of

medical research, it offers valuable lessons for contemporary researchers. First, it

underscores the necessity of robust ethical oversight and adherence to ethical principles

in research involving human subjects. Secondly, it highlights the importance of

informed consent and respect for participants' autonomy, especially among vulnerable

populations. Finally, it serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of unethical research

on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need for vigilance in upholding

ethical standards.

Conclusion

Research ethics is a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, particularly in fields like

medicine where human subjects are involved. Instances of unethical treatment, such as

the STD study in Guatemala, serve as cautionary tales, reminding us of the imperative

4
 RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

to prioritize the rights and welfare of research participants. By upholding ethical

principles, researchers can ensure the integrity and credibility of their work while

safeguarding the dignity and well-being of those involved.

5
 RESEARCH ETHICS IN HUMAN SUBJECTS

References:

Resnik, D. b. (2020, December 23). What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It important?

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis/index.cfm

Tobin, M. J. (2022). Fiftieth Anniversary of Uncovering the Tuskegee Syphilis Study: The

Story and Timeless Lessons. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care

Medicine, 205(10), 1145–1158. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202201-0136so

Spector‐Bagdady, K., & Lombardo, P. A. (2019). U.S. Public Health Service STD Experiments

in Guatemala (1946–1948) and Their Aftermath. Ethics & Human Research, 41(2), 29–

34. https://doi.org/10.1002/eahr.500010

White, M. G. (2020). Why Human Subjects Research Protection Is Important. The Ochsner

Journal, 20(1), 16–33. https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.20.5012

World Medical Association. (2022, September 6). The World Medical Association-WMA

Declaration of Helsinki – Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human

Subjects. WMA.net; WMA - the World Medical Association-WMA Declaration of

Helsinki – Ethical Principles for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects.

https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-helsinki-ethical-principles-for-

medical-research-involving-human-subjects/