What principle does the Nuremberg Code emphasize regarding experiments on human subjects?

The Nuremberg Code is a seminal document that emerged in response to the unethical medical experimentation conducted during World War II. One of its core principles is the emphasis on voluntary consent from research participants. This principle asserts that individuals must give their informed consent without coercion, deception, or undue influence. It highlights that participants should have the autonomy to choose whether or not to participate in a study, as well as the right to withdraw from the research at any stage without facing negative consequences.

This focus on voluntary consent helps to ensure that participants are treated ethically and their rights are upheld, aligning with the fundamental principles of respect for persons and their autonomy in healthcare and research. The Nuremberg Code set a critical precedent for ethical standards in research involving human subjects, influencing later regulations and ethical guidelines in clinical research.