July 28, 2006

Report Calls for Easing Rules on Research Involving Prisoners

By JEFFREY BRAINARD

Federal rules should be relaxed to allow scientists to perform higher-risk medical research on prison inmates than is allowed now, a new report from the Institute of Medicine says.

But the report also recommends that the rules be broadened to add safeguards for prisoners. For example, independent monitors should work inside prisons to safeguard the well-being of research participants.

The report, released this month, offers a new stage in an old debate about to what extent it is

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.