Securing Ethical Standards in Biomedical ResearchConscious of the rapid developments in science and technology, which continuously expand our body of medical knowledge, and often challenge our understanding of even life itself,
A resolution to modify universal standards of healthcare.
Category: Health | Area of Effect: Bioethics
Aware that scientific and technological developments have been, and can be, greatly beneficial to society as a whole, both by increasing lifespan and improving quality of life,
Recognizing that ethical questions arising from such developments should be analyzed in greater depth by this august body,
Affirming the dignity of all individuals, and the universal rights and freedoms held thereof,
Convinced that ethical consideration should be a fundamental aspect of the process of biomedical research and development,
Resolving that it is necessary and proper for this Assembly to establish and affirm universal principles, which shall serve as the foundation for the international response to dilemmas and controversies arising from new developments in biomedical research,
The World Assembly hereby,
Defines, for the purpose of this Resolution:1. Biomedical Research as the broad area of science devoted to seeking methods to prevent and treat health conditions which cause illness and death in individuals.
Mandates that, in conducting biomedical research:
2. Bioethics as the ethical implications stemming from biomedical research, medical policy, and practice.
3. Informed consent as permission granted with full knowledge and understanding of the possible risks and benefits.1. Direct or indirect harm to patients, research participants and other involved individuals be minimized,
Further mandates that any biomedical research that satisfies the above provisions, and the provisions established by existing international law, be expressly legal,
2. Patient and research participant confidentiality be protected at all times and in all processes,
3. Individually identifying information, including, but not limited to, name, birth date, location, demographic information, medical history, and genetic information, be destroyed or disposed of upon completion of research, or upon request from the patient or research participant,
4. Informed consent be obtained from any individual capable of consenting prior to participating in biomedical research,
5. Any individual in a vegetative state, or who is otherwise unable to provide informed consent, may be represented by any individual legally qualified to act in their stead, as determined by the domestic law of each Member State,a. This representative may provide informed consent on behalf of the disqualified individual where it does not violate the expressed will of the disqualified individual when they were of sound state,
6. Patients and research participants be allowed to withdraw from treatment or research without penalty,
7. Research be conducted in an unbiased manner, not discriminating on individuals or groups on an arbitrary basis,
8. Biomedical researchers publicly disclose, at a minimum, financial information, including amount and origin of funds, regarding their research or study,
9. All biomedical research be conducted in such a manner which minimizes harm to both the local and global environment and ecosystem,
Encourages Member States to put in place regulations regarding proper respect for the remains of deceased individuals,
Further encourages Member States to share freely the results and benefits of biomedical research conducted in their nation, so that all may benefit,
Clarifies that Member States retain the right to regulate the scientific procedures and processes of biomedical research in addition to, but not in contradiction of, this resolution.
