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BMC International Health and Human Rights
Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights 1/2012

Open Access 01-12-2012 | Debate

Changes to the law on consent in South Africa: implications for school-based adolescent sexual and reproductive health research

Authors: Melanie Zuch, Amanda J Mason-Jones, Catherine Mathews, Lesley Henley

Published in: BMC International Health and Human Rights | Issue 1/2012

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Abstract

Background

The National Health Act, No 61, 2003 in South Africa is the first effort made by the government to protect health-related research participants under law. Implemented on March 1, 2012, the law mandates active consent from a parent or legal guardian for all research conducted with research participants under the age of 18 years. This paper focuses on the Act's implications for school-based adolescent sexual and reproductive health research.

Discussion

Although well intentioned, the added legal protections in the National Health Act may have the unintended consequence of reducing participation rates in school-based adolescent sexual and reproductive health research, thereby excluding the most at-risk students. The Act may also compromise adolescents' right to dignity and privacy, especially considering the personal nature of research on sex and sexuality. Devolved, discretionary decision-making, which empowers local human research ethics committees to permit a wider range of protective measures, including passive consent, independent adolescent consent or community consultation ought to be considered. The continued and direct involvement of young people in their sexual and reproductive health and well-being is an important principle to uphold.

Summary

This paper calls for a re-examination of section 71's ethical guidelines relating to informed consent in the National Health Act, No 61, 2003 in South Africa in order to better serve the interests of South African adolescents in sexual and reproductive health research.
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Metadata
Title
Changes to the law on consent in South Africa: implications for school-based adolescent sexual and reproductive health research
Authors
Melanie Zuch
Amanda J Mason-Jones
Catherine Mathews
Lesley Henley
Publication date
01-12-2012
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC International Health and Human Rights / Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1472-698X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-698X-12-3

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