The Ethics of Pediatric Research

This chapter will provide an overview of the major ethical issues arising in the context of research with children, in both clinical and social science research. In addition to addressing ongoing debates and controversies, it will include timely examples, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cure research in children and pediatric research on vaccines to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The history, current standards, controversies, and recent developments related to pediatric research will be addressed in six sections: 1) when to start research in children; 2) acceptable risk–benefit ratios; 3) interpretation of minimal risk; 4) justification for non-beneficial research; 5) informed consent, assent, and dissent; and 6) emerging issues. The chapter will close by pointing to future areas of potential controversy and continued growth in pediatric research ethics.