Which statement correctly matches Beneficence with its description?

• A. Obligated to do no harm
• B. Subjects treated fairly
• C. Participants freely decide what happens to them
• D. Researchers ensure privacy and confidentiality

Answer: (A)

Beneficence centers on promoting the welfare of participants and reducing risks. Describing it as being obligated to do no harm highlights the harm-minimization aspect—ensuring that the research does not cause unnecessary harm and, ideally, that potential harms are minimized while benefits are sought. That focus on preventing harm is a core part of doing good for participants.

The other statements align with different ethical principles: treating subjects fairly aligns with justice; letting participants decide what happens to them reflects autonomy and voluntary participation; and ensuring privacy and confidentiality relates to respect for persons and data protection. So the statement about avoiding harm best captures the Beneficence idea in this context.