POPLINE Document Number: 104605
Author(s):
Macklin R
Source citation:
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS, 1994 Nov;(4):110-2.
Abstract:
Anti-fertility vaccines have the prospect of expanding contraceptive choices, but their introduction holds the potential for abuse. It is crucial to decide whether such potential abuse justifies on ethical ground the halting of research and development. The right to voluntary informed consent to research and treatment is vital in this respect. Coercion of research subjects or of women visiting family planning clinics has been well documented. Disincentives and even material incentives can stifle rational choice. Potential abusers include: researchers, individual health care providers, family planning clinics or programs, and governmental agencies. Implants such as Norplant are doubly open to abuse given coerced insertion and refusal to remove them. Vaccines do not have to be removed, and their efficacy naturally wears off, therefore they are less subject to abuse. The reversibility of anti-fertility vaccines still has to be ensured to preclude abuse. Contraceptives administered without a woman's consent violate the woman's autonomy. Prospects for abuse in conducting research on a new contraceptive also exist, especially in delivering services because of deficient quality and ethical procedures. The remedy is to improve the conditions, or, failing that, an anti-fertility vaccine should not be introduced in those places. Scientists are expected to train personnel associated with research, and if abuses can not be prevented, research should stop. Unfortunately, governments may fund researchers even if safeguards are inadequate. Service providers, governmental agencies, and nongovernmental organizations are required to improve the consent process and follow-up once the fertility regulation method has been proved safe and effective. Anti-fertility vaccines may have the potential for abuse, but a favorable benefit-risk ratio mandates the ethic of providing those benefits to women while combating abuse.
Keywords:
CritiqueIndex page
Contraception Research
Contraceptive Vaccines
Contraception, Immunological
Informed Consent
Reversibility
Ethics
Standards
Contraception
Family Planning
Research Methodology