Scientific research is a moral duty

On the face of a current attitude of suspicion and distrust of medical research, the author makes a case for a moral obligation to participate in medical research in certain contexts. The two main lines of argument are the "Do no harm" obligation and the principle of basic fairness. Aspects such as: (1) the need for fully informed consent, (2) when would it be acceptable for children and incompetent persons to participate in medical research, and (3) the role of inducements are discussed. The author concludes that participation in minimally invasive and risky procedures constitute a moral obligation, as a moral obligation to help others and to be just.