What ethical principles are outlined in the Belmont Report?

The Belmont Report identifies three fundamental ethical principles that guide research involving human subjects: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

The principle of respect for persons acknowledges the intrinsic value of individuals and their right to make informed decisions regarding their participation in research. It emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent and ensuring that participants understand the risks and benefits associated with the research.

Beneficence refers to the ethical obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits to research participants. This principle highlights the responsibility of researchers to consider the welfare of their subjects, ensuring that the potential benefits of the research outweigh any risks involved.

Justice pertains to the fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of research. It ensures that certain groups are not disproportionately burdened by the risks of research while being unfairly excluded from the potential benefits.

Understanding these principles is crucial for conducting ethical research and ensuring the protection of human subjects, as they form the foundation of ethical research standards across various disciplines.