Table 1 A comparison of informed consent procedures for research on living humans with that of deceased individuals in ancient DNA
Proxy informed consent in ancient DNA research | Informed consent with living people | |
|---|---|---|
Consent provided by | Representatives of interested and affected persons, groups and/or parties. | Individuals. |
Consent provided on behalf of | Past and future generations, living communities. | Individuals, with population-wide implications. |
Where consent process begins | Descendant(s) and community interested and affected persons, groups and/or parties. | Most local and international ethics review boards. |
When consent process begins | During initial community consultation. | After research is approved. |
Legal obligations for consent | Some local and international ethics review boards. | Most local and international ethics review boards. |
Location of research samples | Often away from impacted communities. | Varies; can be local, national, or international. |
Urgency beyond research needs | Situationally dependent, may not have an urgency, or may be used for restitution, land claims, conservation, or to address stigma. conservation, | May address urgent or time-sensitive health or economic issues. |
