The Ethics of Research with Human Subjects : Protecting People, Advancing Science, Promoting Trust

Research with human subjects1 exemplifies the perennial conflict between the good
of the individual and the good of society. Policies and procedures that protect the
rights and welfare of human subjects may hinder scientific research that benefits
society. Due to this conflict, research with human subjects continues to be one of the
most controversial topics in bioethics, despite ample government regulation, insti-
tutional oversight, and professional guidance. Nearly every week, the media brings
a new issue, problem, or scandal to the public spotlight, with predictable responses
from concerned citizens, compliance officials, and investigators. Concerned citi-
zens and compliance officials often react to new developments by calling for addi-
tional regulation and oversight, while investigators frequently object that they are
already inundated with red tape and that new rules will impede important scientific
research without yielding significant benefits for human subjects or society
(Klitzman 2015). The following examples illustrate some of the ethical dilemmas
that arise in research involving human subjects.