Informed consent to participation in preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trials in the light of section 12(2)(c) of the South African Constitution

Abstract

English: Clinical trials to develop an effective vaccine against HIV are currently underway in South Africa. The scientific, epidemiologic and socio-economic backgrounds against which these trials are likely to take place are described, as well as the risks and benefits attaching to participation. It is argued that, against this background, informed consent will be difficult to achieve. In the light of this reality, the extent of the constitutional guarantee in section 12(2)(c) is investigated. The content of section 12(2)(c) is analysed, and recent case law that deals with section 12 is examined critically. It is concluded that the constitutional guarantee contained in section 12(2)(c) is an important buttress against communities’ exploitation during HIV vaccine trials.

Afrikaans: Kliniese proewe word tans in Suid-Afrika onderneem om ’n effektiewe entstof teen MIV-infeksie te ontwikkel. Die wetenskaplike, epidemiologiese en sosio-ekonomiese agtergronde van hierdie proewe word omskryf, asook die risiko’s en voordele verbonde aan deelname. Daar word aangevoer dat ingeligte toestemming teen hierdie agtergrond moeilik haalbaar sal wees, en in die lig hiervan word die omvang van die grondwetlike waarborg in artikel 12(2)(c) ondersoek. Die inhoud van artikel 12(2)(c) word ontleed, en onlangse regspraak betreffende artikel 12 word krities beskou. Daar word bevind dat die grondwetlike waarborg in artikel 12(2)(c) ’n belangrike skans teen die uitbuiting van gemeenskappe tydens MIV-entstof proewe is.