Which vulnerable population, in addition to pregnant women, is provided extra protections under HHS regulations?

The correct choice highlights the additional protections afforded to prisoners under HHS regulations, specifically in the context of research ethics. Prisoners are recognized as a vulnerable population because they may have limited capacity to make fully autonomous choices due to their incarceration, which can affect their ability to give informed consent. This vulnerability necessitates additional safeguards to ensure their rights and welfare are prioritized in research settings.

The regulations require that research involving prisoners must undergo a stricter review process and adhere to specific guidelines aimed at mitigating potential risks of coercion and undue influence. This includes ensuring that participation in research does not jeopardize their parole or create the perception of coercion where prisoners feel compelled to participate to receive certain benefits.

Other populations, such as minors and individuals with disabilities, also have protections but are governed by different sets of regulations or ethical guidelines. Older adults, while sometimes considered vulnerable, do not receive the same level of specific protections under HHS regulations as prisoners do. Therefore, the focus on prisoners underscores the importance of ethical considerations in research involving populations that may experience limitations on their autonomy.