title: Ethical Issues Surrounding the Use of Modern Human Remains for Research in South Africa.
abstract: Chapter 8 of the South African National Health Act 61 of 2003 (NHA) that deals with the donation of human tissue was promulgated in 2012. The new Act is perceived to impose restrictions on low-risk research involving human remains. This study aimed to identify the issues raised by a research ethics committee (REC) when reviewing protocols where human remains are used as data source. REC minutes from 2009 to 2014 were reviewed, and issues raised by the committee were categorized. In total, 127 protocols submitted to the committee over 6 years involved human remains. Queries relating to science (22.2%) and administration (18.9%) were the most common, whereas queries relating to legal issues constituted only 10.2%. Ethical issues centered on informed consent regarding sensitive topics such as HIV, DNA, and deceased children. The change in legislation did not change the number or type of legal issues identified by the REC.
authors.affiliation: 1 Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Briers
authors.affiliation: 1 Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dempers
mesh_terms: D026688:Bioethical Issues; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D000071298:Body Remains; D002648:Child; D004247:DNA; D026724:Ethical Review; D028744:Ethics Committees, Research; D032984:Ethics, Research; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D013019:South Africa; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
keywords: National Health Act; South Africa; developing; human remains; legislation; research ethics; research ethics committee; review process