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Human experimentation in Judaism
1Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai Services, Queens Hospital Center, Jamaica, New York, USA.
Cancer Investigation
|October 19, 2000
Summary
Judaic principles uphold the sanctity of human life. Patients may accept or decline experimental therapies, and healthy individuals can volunteer for low-risk research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Judaic Studies
Background:
- Judaic principles emphasize the supreme value and sanctity of human life.
- There is an obligation for patients to accept standard, effective medical treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical considerations within Judaism regarding experimental medical therapies.
- To define the permissibility of patient participation in clinical research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Judaic legal and ethical texts.
- Interpretation of principles related to medical treatment and research participation.
Main Results:
- Seriously or terminally ill patients are permitted, but not obligated, to accept experimental therapies that may prolong life or hasten death after exhausting standard treatments.
- Healthy individuals may volunteer for research studies posing minimal or no risk.
Conclusions:
- Judaic ethics permit patient autonomy in decisions regarding experimental treatments.
- The principles support voluntary participation in low-risk research, balancing potential benefits against risks.
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