Which groups are explicitly protected under federal regulations according to Subparts B, C, and D?

The correct answer highlights the specific groups that are explicitly protected under federal regulations related to research involving human subjects. Federal regulations outline that children and prisoners are among those considered vulnerable populations that require additional protections due to their potential inability to give informed consent or their increased risk in research settings. Pregnant women are also specifically identified in these regulations to ensure that both the mother and the fetus are safeguarded in research protocols.

Children are protected because they may not have the capacity to understand the implications of research participation, and additional safeguards are required to ensure their rights and welfare are upheld. Prisoners are recognized as a vulnerable group that may experience coercion or undue influence in research contexts, necessitating careful ethical considerations. Pregnant women are included because their participation in research raises unique ethical concerns regarding their health and that of their unborn children.

Each of these groups is highlighted in federal regulations to address their specific vulnerabilities, ensuring that their rights and well-being are prioritized in the research process. The other options may include references to groups that do not have the same explicit protections outlined in the federal regulations in the context of research.