What does the Belmont principle of beneficence require regarding risks to subjects?

The Belmont principle of beneficence emphasizes the ethical obligation to minimize potential harm to research subjects while maximizing potential benefits. This principle requires researchers to carefully weigh the risks involved in a study against the expected benefits that could arise from it.

Choosing to establish that risks should be proportionate to expected benefits strikes a balance that reflects respect for participants' well-being. By ensuring that the potential benefits justify any risks taken, researchers are upholding ethical standards that protect subjects from unnecessary harm while still contributing to valuable knowledge. This balance is crucial, as research often involves some degree of risk, but those risks should never outweigh the anticipated positive impact of the study.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of beneficence: minimizing risks at all costs is impractical and could stifle valuable research; disclosing risks only after the study undermines informed consent; and ignoring risks simply because a study has social value disregards participants' rights and safety. Thus, the correct answer aligns with the ethical framework designed to protect participants while ensuring that research can proceed in a responsible manner.