Unveiling the Ethics of Chinese Biobank: Insights from Consent Document Analysis

Biobanking in China has seen rapid development, placing the country as a key player globally. However, significant ethical challenges arise, particularly around donor autonomy in informed consent for collecting and using biological materials and personal data. This study examines how Chinese biobanks inform donors about their participation and the ethical content of consent documents. Using qualitative content analysis, 12 consent documents from various biobanks were reviewed against six ethical dimensions. Findings revealed significant variability, with only two biobanks providing comprehensive information across all dimensions. While all biobanks employed an opt-in consent model, the scope of future research and data-sharing was often vaguely defined, raising concerns about donor autonomy. Practical recommendations include adopting flexible legal approaches to enhance donor rights, build public trust, and support biobank research. These findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and biobank administrators, emphasizing the need for more standardized and transparent consent practices to advance public health and medical research ethically and sustainably.