ethics

Informed consent for a research project on the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy to the unborn child is a specific ethical issue;

The participants will not know the outcome of their consumption of alcohol throughout pregnancy until their baby has been born. Participants must give informed consent that they agree to take part after having been thoroughly briefed on the research project and what the possible outcomes are health issues, in particular Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), a syndrome where the child has abnormalities of the face and limbs and often will have a lower level of intelligence (Santrock 2008, p.109).

For the participants to give Informed Consent the following must occur

· The purpose and nature of the study must be explained fully to the participant so that they understand it. Any issues regarding the participants understanding because of a language barrier must be addressed by using a translator, if the participant cannot read the statement it will be required to have the statement read to the participant in their first language.

· The participant understand they have the right to withdraw from the study at any time

· The participant has the right to refuse to participate

· The responsibilities of the research must be explained thoroughly

· Possible benefits of the study must be explained

· Possible risks of side effects must be explained

· Measures to maintain privacy and confidentiality must be clearly stated to the participant

· Participants must agree to take part in the research project of their own will without any coercion

· The participant signs a document specific to the study which includes all relevant information regarding the research project/study

(Taylor & Roberts 2006, p.108)

Reference List

Santrock, J,2008, Life-span development, 11th edn, Emily Barrosse, McGraw Hill, New York

Taylor, B & Roberts, K 2006, Ch 5 ‘Ethics in nursing and health reseaerch’, in Research in nursing and healthcare: evidence for practice, 3rd edn, Ed E Vella, Thomson, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.