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.