Answer:
Learning about the history of research ethics has profoundly influenced my understanding of the responsibilities inherent in conducting biomedical research. Historical cases such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, where African American men were denied treatment for syphilis without their knowledge, and the use of Henrietta Lacks’ cells without her consent, have illuminated the devastating consequences that can result from unethical research practices (Brandt, 1978; Skloot, 2010). These examples have highlighted the critical need for ethical guidelines and federal regulations, such as those established in the Belmont Report, to protect the rights and dignity of research participants (National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, 1979). My understanding of biomedical research has been shaped by these lessons, making me more conscious of the ethical implications of research and the importance of prioritizing the well-being of participants in every study.
References:
- Brandt, A. M. (1978). Racism and research: The case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. The Hastings Center Report, 8(6), 21-29. https://doi.org/10.2307/3561468
- National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1979). The Belmont Report: Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research. U.S. Government Printing Office. https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/index.html
- Skloot, R. (2010). The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks. Crown Publishing Group