Belmont Report and Its Three Core Principles
Principlism is a moral approach based on judgments that are generally accepted by most intellectual, cultural and religious traditions. For example, the Belmont Report defines 3 key principles by which to judge the ethicality of biomedical and behavioral research. These principles are:
1. Respect for persons--Autonomy,
2. Beneficence--do good, and
3. Justice--specifically distributive justice wherein those who bear the burdens of research also receive its benefits.
| National Commission for the Protection of Human Subject | of Biomedical and Behavioral Research |
|---|---|
| 1976 BELMONT REPORT Formalized in 1979 | 1976 BELMONT REPORT Formalized in 1979 |
| PRINCIPLES | APPLICATIONS |
| I. Respect for Persons--Autonomy
1. Individuals should be treated as autonomous agents. 2. Persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection. |
Informed Consent
1. Information--Knowledge a. Procedures b. Purpose c. Risks and benefits d. Alternatives e. Opportunity to ask questions and to withdraw at any time.2. Comprehension--Understanding 3. Voluntariness--Freedom |
| II & (III). Beneficence & (Nonmaleficence)
1. Human subjects should not be harmed--Nonmaleficence. 2. Research should maximize possible benefits--Beneficence, and minimize possible harms--Nonmaleficence. |
Assessment of Risks and Benefits
1. The nature and scope of risks and benefits. 2. The systematic assessment of risks and benefits. |
| IV. Justice
The benefits and risks of research must be distributed fairly. |
Selection of Subjects
There must be fair procedures and outcomes in the selection of research subjects both individually and socially. |
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