Comparative Study of Ethical Principles in Belmont Declaration with Islamic Values and Principles

Given the importance of human dignity, the Belmont Declaration in support of human subjects in biomedical researches has been developed and consisted of three ethical principles: respect for individual autonomy, beneficence and justice. This study was conducted to adapt these principles with Islamic values and principles.

In this comparative study, the ethical principles in Belmont Declaration are compared with Islamic principles.

From the Islamic view, human dignity and individual autonomy should be respected in biomedical research on human subjects, without regarding human beings as tools for research. The principle of beneficence is a necessary principle and according to the no harm rule, to maximize the benefits of research, the possible burdens and harms should be minimized. Also, in addition to considering the maximum benefits of human subjects, the interests of researchers and those who have fund the research should also be taken into account. Justice and fairness require that while maximizing the benefits of research, its potential risks and harms are minimized and if complications occur, the research on disadvantaged people must be stopped and compensated. Since harm to human is against ethical and Islamic principles, human beings must be protected from the harms of research and individuals such as children, demented people and prisoners must be protected as special groups, because they do not have sufficient capacity or individual autonomy.

The principles mentioned in the Belmont Declaration are essential for biomedical researches on human subjects and are consistent with Islamic values and principles