Research in developing countries: follow-up

This discussion paper is a follow-up to the Council’s 2002 report on the ethics of research related to healthcare in developing countries.

It explores the practical implications of new and revised guidelines from several international organisations, which were discussed at a workshop in Cape Town in February 2004.

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Research in developing countries

Developing countries urgently need research to help relieve the burden of disease. It is vital that wealthier countries help sponsor this research, but rigorous ethical safeguards are needed to prevent the exploitation of those who take part.

This report defines the ethical standards for healthcare research in developing countries.

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Human tissue

Medical and scientific uses of human tissue include organ transplantation, pharmaceutical testing and genetic research.

The Council published a report in 1995 proposing an ethical and legal framework for the use of human tissue.

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Genetic screening

Genetic screening for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anaemia raises important ethical, legal and practical issues for the individual involved, their families and society generally.

The Council made this the subject of its first report, published in 1993.

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Future work - Workshop on children and clinical trials

On 9 December 2011 the Council held an exploratory workshop on the ethical issues raised by children taking part in clinical trials. This topic was identified at the 2010 Forward Look meeting and the workshop was held to help members decide whether the issue merits further examination by the Council.

The workshop brought together Council members, staff and invited experts to consider the following key questions:

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Genetic screening - Key findings

This report recommended that the voluntary nature of all screening programmes should be emphasised and that adequately informed consent be a requirement. It also recommended that counselling should be readily available for those being genetically screened, as well as for those being tested on account of a family history of a genetic disorder.

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Genetic screening - Chapter downloads

You can download the individual chapters of this report using the links below. (All files are PDFs and less than 400 KB)

Chapter 1- Introduction

Chapter 2- Scientific basis

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Human tissue - Chapter downloads

You can download the individual chapters of this report using the links below. (All files are PDFs and less than 600 KB)

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - Public concerns

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