Conference studies report on human experimentation

The report recommends that state-funded "minimal risk research" be allowed on those unable to make decisions for themselves, including minors, the mentally ill, prisoners and others judged incompetent to make decisions for themselves.

Among the group's recommendations for research involving such "protected classes" of people were:

* that it be guided by "respect for persons, beneficence and justice;"

* that regulations for standards and procedures be developed by state and federal officials; and

* that institutional review boards (IRBs) should review and approve such research before it is performed.

Ron Guglielmo, associate director for health care for the Catholic Conference (the public policy arm of the state's bishops), told The Evangelist that public furor over the report may be unwarranted.

He explained that the research described in the report could involve, for example, the use of an experimental drug to treat a medical condition which is in the final stages of testing. Patients able to give consent, he said, often participate in those studies, such as clinical trials for new cancer drugs. Such research is already taking place, he added; the report was intended to recommend regulations governing it.

Mr. Guglielmo noted that Cardinal John O'Connor of the Archdiocese of New York had "blasted" the report in the media, and that Gov. Pataki's office and the State Health Department "were very sensitive to the Cardinal's reaction," wanting to make the report understood by the public.

The Catholic Conference has since been asked to submit several names of those who could serve on a future task force on the subject of human experimentation, he said.

The Conference has also sent the report to experts on ethics and morality who advise the state's bishops and can give input on the recommendations. Conference officials are studying the report themselves, as well.

"The administration is not going to let anything happen without being comfortable with people's reactions," Mr. Guglielmo said. "They're not going to do anything without making sure it passes muster, which puts us is a very good position" to state the Catholic Conference's concerns.

(02-18-99) [[In-content Ad]]