A national committee charged with writing new guidelines for medical researchers had requested public reaction to the ethical problems created by current research.
The Committee on Ethic in Experimentation was organized earlier this year by the Medical Research Council of Canada in order to update the guidelines set by the Council in 1978. The Council is the only organization in this field which sets any guidelines as to the ethics of the research conducted. More than half the research carried out in Canadian hospitals, and in our medical and dental schools is funded by the Council.
This Committee is concerned with the ethical implications of test-tube-baby research (including research on embryos); research involving children; the us of animal in research projects; and the kind of consent required before beginning research (such as drug test) on sick people, particularly those physically or mentally unable to give personal consent to any research procedures.
Although the Committee has decided against holding public hearings, it has permitted the press to attend its meetings. Press coverage has been minimal, apparently because the staff of most newspapers, and radio and television stations are preoccupied with the election campaign. However, the kind of guidelines issued by the Council will have long-range implications as they regulate the kind of research undertaken with Council funds.
The Committee does want public input to guide their decisions. It is asked for interested private citizens and organizations to send letters and briefs detailing their concerns. The address is:
The Committee on Ethics in Experimentation, Medical Research Council
Ottawa, K1A 0W9
S.M.
