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Abstract
Negotiating ethics in AIDS vaccine research in Canada: altruistic values, informed consent and monetary compensation
Elliott D.1, Christie T.2
Objectives: The need to engage “high-risk” populations in order to measure the efficacy of HIV vaccines poses a number of bioethical challenges for researchers. In 2005 Vancouver became the site of industry-sponsored HIV preventive vaccine trials. The target population for this trial includes women at risk for HIV infection; who are typically young, involved in the sex-work, coping with addictions and living in poverty. Such trials continued to experience difficulties in recruiting suitable female subjects. Among the many tactics employed to overcome recruitment obstacles a monetary incentive is given to each person that enrolls in the trial.
Methods: Informed by qualitative ethnographic research in Vancouver, Canada we examine the ethical tensions surrounding the principles of informed consent and distributive justice for vaccine research. Fundamental to informed consent is the condition of voluntary participation. However, prima facie, offering impoverished women a monetary incentive to participate in a trial could violate the voluntary condition of informed consent. Likewise, the principle of distributive justice means that no segment of the population should be unfairly burdened with research participation simply because they are vulnerable and conveniently accessed.
Results: Our ethnographic research has revealed that women’s motivation for participating in this trial is primarily related to the instrumental value of the monetary incentive. Based on these research findings and our ethical analysis we must conclude that the ethical principles of informed consent and distributive justice have been breached because of industry’s eagerness to overcome recruitment obstacles by offering monetary incentives.
Conclusions: Canadian vaccine research continues to be plagued by both scientific and social barriers. Regardless of the tactics employed to overcome these obstacles, investigators must respect the principles of informed consent and distributive justice. While it is critical that trial subjects are compensated for their time and contribution to science, this must be weighed with concerns regarding unfair enticements.
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention
Abstract no.
CDC103
Suggested Citation
"ElliottD., et al.
Negotiating ethics in AIDS vaccine research in Canada: altruistic values, informed consent and monetary compensation.
:
4th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention:
Abstract no.
CDC103"
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