When
we think of children, it is not unusual for early childhood professionals to go
into the protective mode. We are always
concerned about the protection and wellbeing of children. So it is not unusual
for educators to ask questions about research involving children. However, According to scientific research of
the National Academy of Sciences today have recognized how critical it is to
honor ethical research. The benefits that biomedical research has brought to
infants, children, and adolescents are remarkable. In recent decades, research
has helped change medical care and public health practices in ways that, each
year, save or lengthen the lives of tens of thousands of children around the
world. (NAS, 2005) Breakthroughs have led to polio, measles, and
other vaccines that have dramatically cut child deaths, disability, and
discomfort from communicable diseases. (NAS,
2005)
Many
premature babies with underdeveloped lungs who once would have died now survive
with the use of mechanical ventilators and surfactants (substances that make
breathing easier). (NAS, 2005) This example holds dear to my heart because I
have a daughter that was born premature at 2 pounds 11 ounces. She stayed in the hospital for two months to
allow her lungs to develop. For this personal reason and many more I
believe that very careful research on children is necessary because it benefits not
just those directly involved but all children.
References:
Retrieved
from an article of the National Academy of Sciences http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10958
