Research Ethics

Abstract

This chapter examines some key aspects that relate the category of vulnerability to Research Ethics. First, its main focus of interest, the issue of informed consent, one of the first steps taken from the Universal Legislation and Orientations. But, from Nuremberg to the present times, reality and the vital context in which research is developed has changed so rapidly that sometimes it seems not to allow researchers to keep up in measures taken to protect those who are most vulnerable. As it has been detailed in the previous chapter, the category of vulnerability was introduced into the vocabulary of bioethics in the field of biomedical research due to historical determining factors. When it became clear that unprotected or institutionalized groups such as orphans, prisoners, the elderly, or ethnic or racial minorities were involved, research began to regulate those who were recognized as the most exposed and worst defended against mistreatment and abuse by third parties, mainly those who conducted the research. Thus, the notion of vulnerable groups or populations arose. In a second moment, this chapter analyzes what this denomination implies. Finally, it addresses some other issues relevant to research ethics, which historically have had less analytical development.