Which statement about the Declaration of Helsinki is correct?

• A. Prioritizes scientific advancement over participant welfare.
• B. Is only concerned with confidentiality.
• C. Was formed in 1947.
• D. States that the well-being of the human subject should take precedence over the interests of science and society.

Answer: (D)

The important principle here is that the welfare of the research participant takes precedence over the aims of science and society. The Declaration of Helsinki places the protection of subjects—safety, rights, and well-being—above the goals of the study, which is why safeguarding measures like informed consent, minimizing risk, and independent ethical review are central to it. This principle drives the emphasis on not exposing participants to harm just for scientific advancement and explains why confidentiality is important but not the sole focus of the document.

For context, the Declaration was first adopted in 1964 by the World Medical Association (in Helsinki), not in 1947, and it has been revised several times since. It is a comprehensive framework that addresses more than just confidentiality, spanning informed consent, risk-benefit assessment, and protections for vulnerable groups.