ABSTRACT
Recognizing and responding to microwithdrawals of consent is a necessary part of ethically engaging with research participants in sensitive research spaces, like neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This chapter examines several key orientations previewed to conceptually frame and physically recognize microwithdrawals of consent. It contends that informed consent is a constantly negotiated practice. The chapter shows opportunities to exceed Institutional Review Board (IRB) ethical expectations in health and medical research contexts, and suggests classical and contemporary rhetorical concepts are helpful to provide explanations of field research experience. Gestures, as rhetorical movements, have long been considered an important part of the cannon of delivery. The chapter presents rhetorical listening as a conceptual and methodological contribution, and proposes vulnerability as essential emotional labor before accessing sensitive research spaces in medical and health care contexts. Finally, it offers pragmatic suggestions for recognizing participants' microwithdrawals of consent.
