The threat posed by unregulated uterus transplants is the subject of one editorial in this issue, while the other presents an overview of the revised CIOMS research guidelines of 2016. Our Theme section focuses on the same revisions, with scholars examining whether they focus adequately on vulnerability and social justice; whether the CIOMS should at all try to guide research policies in the global South; and whether they have struck a balance between protection of participants and the need for scientific progress.
An author analyses the concept of real and valid consent in the Indian legal context, while a comment hails a recent Bombay High Court judgment which recognises a woman’s absolute right to abortion. Bringing change into medical education is the subject of three articles, which emphasise the importance of reflective narratives and interactive group discussion in invigorating ethics teaching, and of consistency in the various entrance and “exit exams”. Of two reports , one highlights the issues raised at the Sixth NBC and the other exposes the failure of the National Health Mission to ensure security for its women health activists.
Finally we have a stimulating debate on the need to have truth in research labelling and to seal legal loopholes allowing for “post hoc adjustment” of trial results. All this, and a couple of perceptive book reviews and correspondence continuing the debate on the limits of an ethics journal’s scope.
Cover credit: Dr Sameer Rao
Layout credit: Parkar Arts, India Printing House, 42 G. D. Ambekar Marg, Wadala, Mumbai 400031