Ethical Complications of Clinical Therapeutic Research on Children

Abstract

Much of the discussion of ethical issues in therapeutic research on children is based on the application of general moral principles to categories of problems. The authors believe that this approach does not adequately address the complexity of a treatment regimen for catastrophically ill children which is both therapeutic and research oriented. Using a case study to illustrate the potential complications of such a situation, they argue that medical paternalism is justified in therapeutic research on children even if it diminishes the patient's autonomy, on the grounds that the best interests of the patient must take precedence over preservation of complete autonomy. (KIE abstract)