Which groups are commonly considered vulnerable populations in research ethics?

Which groups are commonly considered vulnerable populations in research ethics?

• A. Pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, and prisoners
• B. Pregnant women and fetuses only
• C. Healthy college students
• D. Pregnant women and prisoners only

Answer: (A)

Vulnerability in research ethics centers on groups that are more likely to be coerced, exploited, or harmed and therefore need extra protections. Pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, and prisoners are commonly recognized as vulnerable for different reasons: pregnancy and fetal development raise concerns about how research could affect both mother and child, and the fetus/neonate cannot provide informed consent themselves; prisoners may face coercion or undue influence due to the incarceration setting and limited autonomy. The other options omit one or more of these groups or include healthy college students who are not typically labeled as vulnerable in the same way. Therefore, the set that includes all four groups best reflects the standard view of who is considered vulnerable in research ethics.

Vulnerability in research ethics centers on groups that are more likely to be coerced, exploited, or harmed and therefore need extra protections. Pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, and prisoners are commonly recognized as vulnerable for different reasons: pregnancy and fetal development raise concerns about how research could affect both mother and child, and the fetus/neonate cannot provide informed consent themselves; prisoners may face coercion or undue influence due to the incarceration setting and limited autonomy. The other options omit one or more of these groups or include healthy college students who are not typically labeled as vulnerable in the same way. Therefore, the set that includes all four groups best reflects the standard view of who is considered vulnerable in research ethics.