In addition to pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates, which other population is given additional protections under HHS regulations?

The correct response highlights that prisoners are a population granted additional protections under HHS regulations due to their unique vulnerabilities. The inclusion of prisoners in this category acknowledges the ethical and legal nuances involved in conducting research with individuals who may have compromised autonomy due to incarceration. They may feel pressured to participate in research due to their circumstances, which raises concerns about informed consent.

HHS regulations specify that additional safeguards are necessary for research involving prisoners to ensure their rights and welfare are adequately protected. This includes the requirement for additional review and oversight, particularly from an Institutional Review Board (IRB), to ensure that the research does not exploit or unduly influence these individuals.

The other populations mentioned, while protected, do not have the same level of specific regulatory measures focused on them as prisoners do. For example, minors have protections related to parental consent and assent; individuals with disabilities are covered under a broad range of ethical principles regarding autonomy and informed consent; and economically disadvantaged groups are also recognized but do not have a unique regulatory framework akin to that of prisoners under federal regulations. Thus, the specific designation of additional protections for prisoners is a key aspect of ensuring ethical research practices.