title: The obligation to participate in biomedical research.
abstract: The current prevailing view is that participation in biomedical research is above and beyond the call of duty. While some commentators have offered reasons against this, we propose a novel public goods argument for an obligation to participate in biomedical research. Biomedical knowledge is a public good, available to any individual even if that individual does not contribute to it. Participation in research is a critical way to support an important public good. Consequently, all have a duty to participate. The current social norm is that individuals participate only if they have a good reason to do so. The public goods argument implies that individuals should participate unless they have a good reason not to. Such a shift would be of great aid to the progress of biomedical research, eventually making society significantly healthier and longer lived.
authors: Department of Bioethics, The Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors: G Owen
authors: GO
authors: Schaefer
authors: Ezekiel J
authors: EJ
authors: Emanuel
authors: Alan
authors: A
authors: Wertheimer
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D028681:Moral Obligations; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology / Q000639:trends; D035842:Research Subjects / Q000523:psychology