Declaration of Helsinki

Declaration of Helsinki

Helsinki Declaration

Introduction

The Declaration of Helsinki (DoH), known in Finnish as "Helsingin julistus" and in Swedish as "Helsingforsdeklarationen", is a seminal set of ethical principles pertaining to human experimentation. Originally developed in 1964 by the World Medical Association (WMA), it is considered a foundational document in the field of human research ethics.

Historical Background

Development and Purpose

The Declaration was created in response to the growing need for a comprehensive set of guidelines to govern the ethical aspects of medical research involving human subjects. This need was highlighted by historical events where research subjects had been abused or exploited.

Evolution Over Time

Since its inception in 1964, the Declaration of Helsinki has undergone several revisions to address emerging ethical issues and adapt to changing global medical research environments.

Key Principles

The Declaration sets forth various principles, including:

• Respect for the individual
• The primacy of the well-being of the subject
• Informed consent
• The requirement for protocols to be reviewed by an independent committee

Impact on Global Research Ethics

The Declaration of Helsinki has had a profound impact on the conduct of research worldwide. It has influenced international regulations and guidelines and has been incorporated into many national legislatures.

Revisions and Controversies

Over the years, the Declaration has been revised to reflect new ethical challenges and has sometimes been the subject of controversy, particularly regarding its application in developing countries.

Current Status and Application

As of the latest revision, the Declaration provides guidance on issues such as unproven interventions in clinical practice and the use of placebos in research.

External Links

• World Medical Association
• World Health Organization

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