According to the Nuremberg Code, when is it acceptable to conduct experiments that present potential risks to participants?

The Nuremberg Code is a foundational document in research ethics, created in response to the unethical medical experiments conducted during World War II. A core principle of the Nuremberg Code is that any experimentation involving human subjects should only proceed if the benefits derived from the research significantly outweigh the risks involved to the participants.

Selecting the option indicating that it is acceptable to conduct experiments when the benefits outweigh the risks aligns with this principle. This ensures that the welfare of participants is prioritized, emphasizing a careful assessment that weighs potential positive outcomes against the likelihood of harm.

It is important to note that the other options do not reflect the ethical standards established by the Nuremberg Code. For instance, conducting experiments when risks are high disregards the essential balance of safety and benefit. The idea that experiments can take place under any circumstances as long as consent is obtained overlooks the necessity of a favorable risk-benefit assessment. Additionally, the notion that only government entities can conduct such research fails to capture the universal ethical principles that must guide all human-subject research, regardless of who is conducting it. Thus, a responsible approach to experimentation must always consider the ethical imperative of ensuring that benefits outweigh risks.