Helsinki Declaration 1989

The Helsinki Declaration of 1989 refers to an update of the Declaration of Helsinki, a set of ethical principles regarding medical research involving human subjects. Originally adopted by the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1964, the Declaration has undergone several revisions to respond to emerging ethical concerns in biomedical research.

Key Points of the 1989 Revision:

1. Emphasis on Vulnerable Populations: The 1989 update strengthened the protection of vulnerable groups in medical research, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals who are economically disadvantaged.

2. Informed Consent: The revision reinforced the necessity for obtaining informed consent from research participants. It highlighted that participants must fully understand the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of the research.

3. Independent Review: The declaration insisted on the importance of independent ethical review of research protocols by committees not involved in the research.

4. Scientifically Valid Research: It maintained that research involving human subjects should be scientifically valid and should aim to improve health or provide insight into medical treatment.

5. Risk-Benefit Assessment: Researchers were required to evaluate the potential risks and benefits to participants, ensuring that the benefits justify any risks involved.

This update, like other revisions of the Declaration of Helsinki, aimed to adapt ethical guidelines to the changing landscape of medical research, with a strong focus on safeguarding human rights and dignity.