Using, risking, and consent: Why risking harm to bystanders is morally different from risking harm to research subjects. (7th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walen, Alec
• Other Names: Eyal Nir guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Bioethics. Volume 34:Number 9(2020)
• Page Start: 899
• Page End: 905
• Publication Date: 2020-04-07
• Subjects: bystanders -- human subjects research -- informed consent -- Means principle -- research ethics -- risk; Bioethics -- Periodicals; 174.957
• DOI: 10.1111/bioe.12743
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-9702

Abstract

Abstract: Subjects in studies on humans are used as a means of conducting the research and achieving whatever good would justify putting them at risk. Accordingly, consent must normally be obtained before subjects are exposed to any substantial risks to their welfare. Bystanders are also often put at risk, but they are not used as a means. Accordingly—or so I argue—consent is more often unnecessary before bystanders are exposed to similar substantial risks to their welfare.