Ethical aspects of biomedical research. Frequent concepts in written norms

Most codes and declarations pertaining to the ethics of research involving human subjects have been formulated in response to specific events mostly of a painful or embarrasing nature. Several concepts appearing repeatedly in their texts are highlighted in this paper: principles of respect for persons, beneficence and justice, vulnerability and research propriety. Along with some comments on current revisions Of many international guidelines and the role of bioethics committees, a plea is made to have a proactive rather than a reactive stance in ethical regulation of biomedical research.