Skip to main content
Log in

Research on Dead Infants

  • Published:
Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This paper examines the ethicalproblems that arise when research is carriedout after autopsy on dead infants. It comparesthe right of parents against that of the publicinterest in matters of research on dead minors. The basis for the respect that is widelyaccorded to the body of a dead person isexamined and is shown to ground the parentalinterest. A discussion of the nature of thefamily suggests that `informed consent' is notthe best term to apply to the process ofparental consultation. Some reasons areprovided against using this term in the contextin which bereaved parents are consulted aboutautopsy and research on their dead infants. Itis suggested that a term such as `authorize'might better apply to this situation.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Informed consent, parental permission, and assent in pediatric practice. Pediatrics 95 (1995): 314–317.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aristotle. Nicomachean Ethics. In: McKeon, R., ed. The Basic Works of Aristotle. New York: Random House, 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aristotle. Rhetoric. In: McKeon, R., ed. The Basic Works of Aristotle. New York: Random House, 1941.

    Google Scholar 

  • Assessment of Mental Capacity: Guidance for Doctors and Lawyers. London: British Medical Association; London: Tavistock Square, 1995.

  • Buchanan, A.E., Brock, D.W. Deciding for Others: The Ethics of Surrogate Decision-Making. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Council of Europe. Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. First passed in Rome 4 November 1950. Most recently amended 1 November 1998. Can be found on the web at: http://www.echr.coe.int/Convention/webConven-ENG.pdf

  • Downie, R.S., Randall, F. “Parenting and the Best Interests of Minors.” The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy 22 (1997): 219–231.

    Google Scholar 

  • Human Rights Act 1998 (UK). Found on the web at: http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/ acts1998/19980042.htm.

  • Human Tissue Act 1961 (UK) and the Human Tissue Act (Northern Ireland) 1962. Found on the web at: http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/about_transplants/legislation/human_tissue_act/human_tissue_act.htm.

  • Independent Review Group on Retention of Organs at Post-Mortem. Edinburgh: Stationery Office, 2002.

  • Knowles, D. “Parents' Consent to the Post-mortem Removal and Retention of Organs.” Journal of Applied Philosophy 18(3) (2001): 215–227.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mason, J.K., ed. Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology. London: Chapman and Hall, 1989.

  • Meyers, D.W. “Parental Rights and Consent to Medical Treatment of Minors.” In: Mason, J.K., ed. Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology. London: Chapman and Hall, 1989, pp. 428–440.

    Google Scholar 

  • Page, E. “Parental Rights.” Journal of Applied Philosophy 1(2) (1984): 187–203.

    Google Scholar 

  • Retained Organs Commission: A Consultation Document. London: The Retained Organs Commission, PO Box 32794, London SE1 6WA, 2002.

  • Richardson, R. Death, Dissection and the Destitute. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, L.F. Children, Families, and Health Care Decision-Making. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  • Royal Liverpool Children's Inquiry Report. London: The Stationery Office, 2001.

  • Salgo v. Leland Stanford Junior University Board of Trustees, 317 P 2d 170 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App., 1957).

  • Schoeman, F. “Rights of Children, Rights of Parents, and the Moral Basis of the Family.” Ethics 91 (1980): 6–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer, C.J. The Evolution of Anatomy and Physiology: From the Greeks to Harvey. New York: Dover Publications, 1957.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sophocles. Antigone. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Downie, R. Research on Dead Infants. Theor Med Bioeth 24, 161–175 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024698929766

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024698929766

Navigation