New York Consolidated Laws, Public Health Law - PBH § 2440. Policy and purpose

The use of human subjects in medical research projects has brought about many beneficial scientific advances resulting in the increased health and well-being of the human race.  Safeguarding the rights and welfare of individual human subjects in the conduct of these human research projects is a matter of vital state concern.  Every human being has the right to be protected against the possible conduct of medical or psychological research upon his body without his voluntary informed consent.  Human research may effect dangerous and unanticipated results causing irreversible damage to the human subject.  Accordingly, it shall be the policy of this state to protect its people against the unnecessary and improper risk of pain, suffering or injury resulting from human research conducted without their knowledge or consent.