Final answer:
According to FDA regulations, subjects can discontinue participation in a study at any time without sacrificing their right to privacy or facing any penalties.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the FDA informed consent regulations, a subject may discontinue participation in a study at any time without sacrificing their right to privacy and without penalty or loss of benefits that the subject is otherwise entitled to receive. The informed consent regulations ensure that study participants are fully aware of the risks and benefits associated with the research, and that their participation is completely voluntary.
One of the key aspects mandated by law and enforced by Institutional Review Boards (IRB) is that the risks to participants be minimized, and that participation can be terminated at any point should they wish to do so.