Which set of ethical principles provides the foundation for human research protections in the U.S.?

The Belmont Report is foundational to human research protections in the United States because it outlines key ethical principles that guide research involving human subjects. Published in 1979, the report identifies three core principles: respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

Respect for persons emphasizes the need for informed consent, recognizing the autonomy of individuals and their right to make informed decisions about participation. Beneficence refers to the obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits, ensuring that research designs actively protect participants while contributing to scientific knowledge. Justice pertains to the fair distribution of research benefits and burdens, ensuring that no group is unduly burdened and that the benefits of research accrue to those who participate in it.

These principles are integral to the regulations and practices that govern human research in the U.S., influencing the development of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and federal regulations that safeguard participants' rights and welfare. Other choices, while relevant to ethical considerations in research, do not provide the overarching framework established by the Belmont Report specifically for human research protections in the U.S.