It is the outgrowth of an intensive four-day period of discussions that were held in February 1976 at the Smithsonian Institution' What Is Bioethics?
: The duty to "do no harm," ensuring that the risks of a treatment or experiment do not outweigh the benefits. bioethics
: Ensuring that medical resources, benefits, and risks are distributed fairly and equitably among all members of society. Read the Belmont Report | HHS.gov It is the outgrowth of an intensive four-day
: Respecting a patient's or research participant's right to make their own choices about their medical care and bodily integrity. Read the Belmont Report | HHS
Modern bioethics is largely built upon four "pillars" that guide healthcare providers and researchers in making difficult moral decisions:
Bioethics is a multidisciplinary field that examines the of advancements in biology and medicine. It seeks to balance the drive for scientific progress with the moral responsibility to protect human life and respect all living things. This report outlines the core principles, key issues, and professional standards that define the field as of early 2026. Core Principles of Bioethics