Which groups are specifically protected under federal regulations 45 CFR 46?

The selection is indeed accurate as it identifies the specific groups that are explicitly protected under the federal regulations outlined in 45 CFR 46, also known as the Common Rule. This regulation is designed to safeguard the rights and welfare of individuals involved in research, particularly those considered vulnerable.

Prisoners are protected due to their incarceration status, which may limit their ability to provide informed consent freely. They often have unique vulnerabilities that can impact their participation in research.

Children, or minors, are included because they cannot legally provide informed consent on their own. Therefore, additional protections are necessary to ensure that their participation in research is ethical and that their rights are upheld.

Pregnant women, as a category, require specific protections due to potential risks to both their health and the health of the fetus. Research involving pregnant individuals must carefully consider these significant health considerations to ensure their ethical treatment.

While the other options include similar vulnerable populations, they do not accurately encapsulate the protections specified in 45 CFR 46 as clearly as the selected answer. Each of the groups in this correct answer represents a well-defined vulnerable population for which the regulations demand particular ethical scrutiny and safeguards in research contexts.