“Bioethics is not exactly what is commonly understood as science …” (summary)

Abstract

The interview with B.G. Yudin, one of the founders of Russian bioethics, was concentrated first of all on scientific and applied issues. He discussed the principle of informed consent and informed choice stressing possibility of their embodiment in Russian reality; peculiarities of ethical review and functioning of ethical committees of different levels, difficulties in their work, possibilities of publishing review results. He talked about the issues involved in conducting clinical trials, especially international research sponsored from abroad. B.G. Yudin noted that a group of researchers have prepared a draft bill on clinical trials that was evaluated by the State Duma but never accepted. He underlined that now in Russia the only social institute having a clear standpoint on bioethical issues is the Russian Orthodox Church.