The Belmont Report's principle of respect for persons includes the belief that:

The Belmont Report's principle of respect for persons emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and honoring individual autonomy. This principle asserts that individuals are capable of making their own choices and should be given the opportunity to make informed decisions regarding their involvement in research. Specifically, treating individuals as autonomous agents means that researchers must respect their ability to understand the risks and benefits of participation and to make decisions based on their own values and preferences.

This principle also involves safeguarding those with diminished autonomy, ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected in research settings. Ethical guidelines derived from this principle prioritize informed consent, which requires that participants are fully informed about the nature of the study, what participation entails, and the potential impacts on their lives. In essence, respecting autonomy and individual decision-making is foundational to ethical research practices.