What is the central theme of the Belmont Report?

The Belmont Report is fundamentally concerned with establishing ethical principles and guidelines specifically for research involving human subjects. It arose in response to historical abuses in medical research and prioritizes the protection of individuals who participate in studies. The report articulates key ethical principles such as respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, which guide researchers in the treatment of human subjects and the conduct of research.

Respect for persons entails acknowledging autonomy and protecting those with diminished autonomy, while beneficence refers to the obligation to minimize harm and maximize benefits. Justice addresses the fair distribution of research benefits and burdens. Therefore, the primary focus of the Belmont Report is not on financial aspects, technological advancement, or patient satisfaction, but rather on creating a framework that ensures ethical conduct in research involving human participants.