Which principle is identified by the Belmont Report as a core principle for protecting human subjects?

• A. Respect for Persons/Autonomy
• B. Veracity
• C. Fidelity
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how the Belmont Report protects research participants by honoring their autonomy and requiring informed, voluntary participation. The Report identifies three guiding principles: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice. Respect for Persons means recognizing individuals as autonomous agents and giving special protection to those with diminished autonomy, primarily through informed consent and appropriate information so they can decide whether to join research. This focus on autonomy and proper consent is what makes this principle the best answer when asked about protection of human subjects.

Veracity and Fidelity are ethical considerations in research and clinical practice, but they are not listed as the Belmont Report’s core principles. Beneficence is indeed one of those core principles, emphasizing maximizing benefits and minimizing harms, but the question targets the principle that directly protects subjects through respecting their autonomy and ensuring voluntary participation, which is Respect for Persons/Autonomy.