29. In research ethics, informed consent is not merely a signed document; it is a process of communication. Participants should understand the purpose of the study, potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw without penalty. ______ This is particularly important when participants are vulnerable due to illness, stress, or limited health literacy.
(A) Therefore, consent is valid only when comprehension is assessed and questions are welcomed.
(B) Therefore, consent is unnecessary if the study is interesting.
(C) Therefore, consent should be replaced by verbal persuasion.
(D) However, consent is identical to coercion and questions are answered.
(E) Therefore, consent is irrelevant in clinical trials.