According to the Nuremberg Code, what is essential for ethical consent?

• A. Consent is optional for medical research.
• B. Informed consent is required only for researchers, not patients.
• C. The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential; informed consent is standard.
• D. Consent is assumed in all cases.

Answer: (C)

The essential idea is that participation in research must be voluntary and informed. The Nuremberg Code holds that the voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential, meaning people cannot be coerced, deceived, or pressured into joining a study. In addition, informed consent is the standard, so researchers must provide enough information about the study’s purpose, procedures, risks, and potential benefits, and must ensure the person understands this information and can freely decide to participate or withdraw at any time. This protects autonomy and helps ensure the subject truly agrees to what will happen to them. Statements suggesting consent is optional, only applies to researchers, or is merely assumed do not fit the requirement for voluntary, informed agreement.