390. Human experiments

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 390

Ave Maria series

Is it permissible to experiment on a live human being?

Scientific, psychological, or medical experiments on a live human subject are allowed only when the results that can be expected are important for human well-being and cannot be obtained otherwise.  Everything, however, must take place with the free and informed consent of the subject in question.  [2292-2295]

Astronauts Scott Kelly (left) and Terry Virts  work on a Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly  inside the space station.  ….. 390

Astronaut Scott Kelly proposed to NASA that he would volunteer as a human scientific experiment to determine the long-term effects on the human body in space.  Scott has an identical twin brother, Mark, who also is an astronaut against whom Scott’s exposure could be compared and studied. In 2015, Scott went on to spend nearly a year in a low earth space orbit to contribute data on long-term space-body effect. The study shows that Scott “experienced numerous physiological and chromosomal changes” during his year in space. His immune system was affected going into space and when he returned to earth.

[2292-2295]

Respect for the person and scientific research

2292 Scientific, medical, or psychological experiments on human individuals or groups can contribute to healing the sick and the advancement of public health. --Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

2293 Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man's dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of their limits. --CCC

2294 It is an illusion to claim moral neutrality in scientific research and its applications. On the other hand, guiding principles cannot be inferred from simple technical efficiency, or from the usefulness accruing to some at the expense of others or, even worse, from prevailing ideologies. Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and the will of God. --CCC

2295 Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimatize acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law. The subjects' potential consent does not justify such acts. Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate if it exposes the subject's life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or avoidable risks. Experimentation on human beings does not conform to the dignity of the person if it takes place without the informed consent of the subject or those who legitimately speak for him. –CCC

People  astronauts Scott Kelly (left)