Question

The Willowbrook and hepatitis Bstudies In the 1960s, children entering the Willowbrook State School, an institution for the intellectually disabled on Staten Island in New York, were deliberately infected with hepatitis. The researchers argued that almost all children in the institution quickly become infected anyway. The studies showed for the first time that two strains of hepatitis existed. This finding contributed to the development of effective vaccines. Despite these valuable results, the Willowbrook studies are now considered an example of unethical research. Explain why, according to current ethical standards, useful results are not enough to allow a study.

Short answer

The Willowbrook studies are now considered an example of unethical research because they did not protect the participants from harm.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:Given:The Willowbrook and hepatitis B studies In the 1960s, children entering the Willowbrook State School, an institution for the intellectually disabled on Staten Island in New York, were deliberately infected with hepatitis. The researchers argued that almost all children in the institution quickly become infected anyway. The studies showed for the first time that two strains of hepatitis existed. This finding contributed to the development of effective vaccines. Despite these valuable results, the Willowbrook studies are now considered an example of unethical research.

I have to verify this statement.

Step 2:A situation is given.

The Willowbrook studies are now considered an example of unethical research because they did not protect the participants from harm. New patients who were healthy were subjected to infectious disease. Furthermore, researchers stated that the children would more than likely become infected during their time at Willowbrook.