The relative safety that anyone feels when going into any medical facility has not always been there. Less than a century ago, human experimentation was ubiquitous in the world and simple human rights was found to be appalling and a hindrance to scientific advancement. Down below is a timeline of laws and regulations related to the protection of human subjects.
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Modern World
The world today follows a strict set of rules and regulations that are enforced by the government, but also the individuals themselves. With access to the internet and funds, the average person in North America has the means necessary to file their own lawsuit if the opportunity provided itself; thus, doctors and practitioners have no choice but to follow the law. However, in less developed or regulated countries, one can still find the horrendous malpractices that we cast away so "long" ago.
Ethical Guidelines
The Nuremberg Code:
Developed in response to the Nuremberg Trials of Nazi doctors who performed unethical experimentation during World War II, the Code was the first major international document to provide guidelines on research ethics. It made voluntary consent a requirement in clinical research studies, emphasizing that consent can be voluntary only if participants are able to consent; they are free from coercion (i.e., outside pressure); and they comprehend the risks and benefits involved. The Code also states that researchers should minimize risk and harm, make sure that risks do not significantly outweigh potential benefits, use appropriate study designs, and guarantee participants′ freedom to withdraw at any time
Declaration of Helsinki:
At the 18th World Medical Assembly in Helsinki, Finland, the World Medical Association adopted 12 principles to guide physicians on ethical considerations related to biomedical research. It emphasizes the distinction between medical care that directly benefits the patient and research that may or may not provide direct benefit. These guidelines were revised at subsequent meetings in 1975 (Tokyo, Japan), 1983 (Venice, Italy), 1989 (Hong Kong), 1996 (Somerset West, Republic of South Africa) and 2000 (Edinburgh, Scotland).
Belmont Report:
The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research issued "The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research." The report sets forth three principles underlying the ethical conduct of research: Respect for persons, Beneficence, and Justice. The Belmont Report explains how these principles apply to research practices. In response to the report, both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration revised their regulations on research studies that involve people.
UCI agrees to uphold the ethical principles of the Belmont Report. UCI will apply DHHS regulations to all federally-funded proposed research involving human participants. Commensurate protections are in place for all other human subject research conducted at or under the jurisdiction of UCI.