Which ethical principle emphasizes not causing harm to patients or participants in medical research?

Which ethical principle emphasizes not causing harm to patients or participants in medical research?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Nonmaleficence
• C. Autonomy
• D. Justice

Answer: (B)

Not causing harm to patients or research participants is a guiding principle in healthcare ethics known as nonmaleficence. It embodies the idea of “do no harm” and shapes how clinicians and researchers design and conduct care and studies. This principle means avoiding actions that could injure, exposing participants to unnecessary risks, or continuing interventions that have more risk than potential benefit. In research, nonmaleficence underpins risk assessment, ongoing monitoring for adverse effects, and the obligation to stop a study when harms outweigh potential gains. It also supports minimizing risks and ensuring that any burden placed on participants is reasonable relative to the expected benefits. This differs from beneficence, which is about actively promoting good; autonomy, which centers on respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices; and justice, which concerns fair treatment and distribution of burdens and benefits.

Not causing harm to patients or research participants is a guiding principle in healthcare ethics known as nonmaleficence. It embodies the idea of “do no harm” and shapes how clinicians and researchers design and conduct care and studies. This principle means avoiding actions that could injure, exposing participants to unnecessary risks, or continuing interventions that have more risk than potential benefit. In research, nonmaleficence underpins risk assessment, ongoing monitoring for adverse effects, and the obligation to stop a study when harms outweigh potential gains. It also supports minimizing risks and ensuring that any burden placed on participants is reasonable relative to the expected benefits. This differs from beneficence, which is about actively promoting good; autonomy, which centers on respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices; and justice, which concerns fair treatment and distribution of burdens and benefits.