Short Wave People Are Volunteering To Be Exposed To The Coronavirus...For Science
Jun 9, 2020
Elise Spiegel, host of NPR's Invisibilia, dives into the controversial realm of coronavirus human challenge trials. She shares the inspiring story of Lehua Gray, a volunteer daring enough to embrace the virus for science. The discussion explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding these trials, juxtaposing the urgent need for a vaccine with potential risks to participants. Insightful contributions from clinical health experts highlight the moral complexities and emotional struggles faced by those involved in this unprecedented medical approach.
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Lehua's Motivation
- Lehua Gray, a 32-year-old woman in Texas, expressed interest in participating in a COVID-19 human challenge trial.
- She views it as a moral obligation, prioritizing the greater good despite potential personal risks.
Challenge Trials Explained
- Human challenge trials involve intentionally infecting participants with a virus to test vaccine efficacy.
- This method has a controversial history, including unethical Nazi experiments.
Kublin's Concerns
- James Kublin, despite experience with challenge trials, opposes them for COVID-19 due to limited virus knowledge.
- He prioritizes "do no harm," even if trials could potentially save more lives.