Which statement best describes the Belmont principle of respect for persons?

Which statement best describes the Belmont principle of respect for persons?

• A. It emphasizes autonomy and informed consent
• B. It requires minimizing risks
• C. It ensures fair distribution of burdens
• D. It allows deception without disclosure

Answer: (A)

Respect for persons focuses on honoring individuals' autonomy and protecting those with diminished decision-making capacity. In practice, this means giving participants the opportunity to make a voluntary, informed choice about whether to take part in research. Informed consent involves clear information about what the study involves, potential risks and benefits, alternatives, and the right to decline or withdraw at any time without penalty. It also includes extra protections for people who may have less capacity to decide for themselves. Other Belmont principles are at work in the other statements: minimizing risks reflects beneficence—maximizing benefits while reducing harms; fair distribution of burdens relates to justice; and deception without disclosure undermines respect for persons because it compromises the participant’s ability to make a truly informed, voluntary decision.

Respect for persons focuses on honoring individuals' autonomy and protecting those with diminished decision-making capacity. In practice, this means giving participants the opportunity to make a voluntary, informed choice about whether to take part in research. Informed consent involves clear information about what the study involves, potential risks and benefits, alternatives, and the right to decline or withdraw at any time without penalty. It also includes extra protections for people who may have less capacity to decide for themselves.

Other Belmont principles are at work in the other statements: minimizing risks reflects beneficence—maximizing benefits while reducing harms; fair distribution of burdens relates to justice; and deception without disclosure undermines respect for persons because it compromises the participant’s ability to make a truly informed, voluntary decision.