Benefit and Harm: Divergencies Between a Principle-Based Theory and the UDBHR

Abstract

Benefit and harm are concepts of great importance for Bioethics. In 1979, the Belmont Report introduced three key principles for ethics in biomedical research: autonomy, beneficence, and justice. Years later, Beauchamp and Childress reformulated a principle-based theory, including the principle of non-maleficence. In 2005, the UDBHR promoted an extension to fifteen principles. Objectives: Differentiate the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence from the principle of benefit and harm, presented by the UDBHR. Demonstrate the correlation between the referred principle and the ones present in articles 14 and 15 of the Declaration, as well as the devices of other international documents and the importance of this correlation for a more comprehensive interpretation of UDBHR. Discussion: Understanding that a principle-based view, coming from an imperialist perspective, does not cover the reality of underdeveloped and developing countries. It is therefore important to understand the new democratic vision brought about by the UDBHR in order to maximize benefits and reduce harm in the best possible way.