Essay On Havasupai Tribe

Members from the Havasupai tribe, a small tribe from the Grand Canyon, were infuriated to find that their blood tests were being utilized for research studies beyond the original scope or perceived intent of the project. In other words, the tribe thought it had consented to diabetes research, yet found that scientists were additionally considering schizophrenia and the tribe's ethnic origins. Members from the tribe completed a consent form that incorporated a sign that the blood tests could be utilized to "consider the reasons for behavioral/medical disorders." Such a condition is positively broad to incorporate research on schizophrenia; research on genetic origins seems to be less appropriate.

Looking back, ASU presumably wishes it had …show more content…
As it turns out, research without community trust can be exceptionally costly. Subsequent to spending $1.7 million in legal expenses, the Board of Regents consented to settle the dispute by paying $700,000 to 41 individuals from the tribe for their troubles. ASU also agreed to return the blood samples and, as Harmon reports, to "provide other forms of assistance." In the long run, the loss of trust might be the most harming result of this dispute among ASU and the Havasupai tribe. Following the dispute with the Havasupai, other tribes might be weary about future research ventures. Given that the dispute was reported broadly, the loss of tribal trust in scientists may affect the advance of research in other states also. In light of this, Rob Rosette, a lawyer for the Havasupai tribe, remarks on the future effect of the settlement: "A point of reference was set. Scientists will now realize that in the event that they do this sort of research without informed consent, they will get in alot of touble, costing themselves time and money. Exploiting these people was just not worth