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Towards supported decision-making in biomedical research with cognitively vulnerable adults

Bielby, Philip

Authors



Contributors

Oonagh Corrigan
Editor

John McMillan
Editor

Kathleen Liddell
Editor

Martin Richards
Editor

Charles Weijer
Editor

Abstract

This chapter has two connected aims. First, I argue that we can best understand the scope and limits of consent as a ‘procedural’ principle of empowerment. I ground this argument in a rationalist moral theory of human (or agency) rights devised by Alan Gewirth. Drawing on the recent work of Gewirthian legal theorists Beyleveld and Brownsword, I offer a defence of the ethical significance of consent as a procedural human rights value, which does not in itself constitute a substantive human right. My second aim is to propose a theory of supported decision-making in biomedical research that seeks to nurture the abilities of cognitively vulnerable participants to make decisions. This reframes consent as the basis of the empowerment of cognitively vulnerable adults. In the final section, I assess the legal prospects for supported decision-making, with particular reference to English law. Although no explicit provision for supported decision-making in research currently exists in English law, there appears to be some limited scope for accommodation.

Citation

Bielby, P. (2009). Towards supported decision-making in biomedical research with cognitively vulnerable adults. In O. Corrigan, J. McMillan, K. Liddell, M. Richards, & C. Weijer (Eds.), The limits of consent: A socio-ethical approach to human subject research in medicine (151-170). Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof%3Aoso/9780199231461.003.0009

Publication Date Jan 29, 2009
Deposit Date Dec 19, 2014
Journal The limits of consent: a socio-ethical approach to human subject research in medicine
Publisher Oxford University Press
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Pages 151-170
Book Title The limits of consent: A socio-ethical approach to human subject research in medicine
Chapter Number 9
ISBN 9780199231461
DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof%3Aoso/9780199231461.003.0009
Keywords Bioethics, Medical Law,
Public URL https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/370784
Publisher URL http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/view/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231461.001.0001/acprof-9780199231461-chapter-9
Contract Date Dec 19, 2014