The ethical issue of medical research is when the subjects are incapable of consent. This is called primary research, where scientists perform tests on topics they perceive do not have much value to society and are usually executed. Clara gained tissue samples from executed prisoners, which taught him how cells were regenerating in the bodies and suggested that therapeutic uses for the regenerated cells could be found (Winkelmann & Noack, 2010). This led to significant ethical issues because the use of human tissue obtained from executed prisoners, those before execution, and even their innocent relatives were unethical since the subjects did not consent.
Clara violated the APA Code of Ethics principles and standards by using the bodies of executed prisoners for medical research purposes. The violations of the APA Code of Ethics standards include but are not limited to the Violation of Confidentiality of patient information and privacy. According to Winkelmann and Noack (2010), Clara violated the prisoner’s confidentiality by using their bodies for research purposes without their consent, just because the government executed them. Besides, Clara violated the principle that all persons have the right to be free from abuse in the conduct of research. The case confirms that Clara went further to research other prisoners that were not executed and even their relatives at home. Furthermore, Clara violated the principle that a client should not be harmed due to actions taken when seeking or providing treatment. Lastly, Clara violated the broader public good by using executed prisoners for research purposes, which hurt society.
The ethical implications of Clara using the bodies of executed prisoners for medical research purposes for contemporary psychology are disturbing. Such practices may lead to mass casualties due to a lack of regard for human rights and dignity. Besides, many people could be executed wrongfully and considered to have committed a crime against themselves and their families for their bodies to be used for research purposes. Using human subjects without consent could become a big problem; this research can advance a gap in medical research ethics (Young, 2017). Furthermore, this can uphold unethical practices in society because these people were executed for their crimes, violating their rights to be turned into medical experiments without consent.
Research plays a vital role in society. Through analysis, we can identify, explore and understand the issues facing us or our future generations. Research can also solve such problems by identifying the causes and making changes (Young, 2017). However, in this case, although research can also help people, Clara is performing medical research by using the body of the executed prisoners for his gains, which is unethical. Therefore, clinical diagnosis, diagnosis, and treatment should be provided only after a careful thought process by doctors and patients.
In conclusion, the psychology professional’s responsibilities are to protect the interests of their research participants and their families. Young (2017) confirms that when a psychologist works with a research participant, there are several critical ethical responsibilities that Clara neglected in his research. First, psychologists should take the time to learn about their participants’ values and beliefs about the study topic. Second, psychologists must practice consent regarding all aspects of involvement in research. Finally, psychologists must maintain professionalism by respecting boundaries between themselves and participants.
References
Winkelmann, A., & Noack, T. (2010). The Clara Cell: A “Third Reich Eponym.” European Respiratory Journal, 36(4), 722-727. Available From: https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/erj/36/4/722.full.pdf
Young, G. (2017). Revising The APA Ethics Code. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
write