The Report of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee (IBC) has just been published as the first issue of a new series. The latter intends to effectively and broadly disseminate IBC’s reflection and deliberations on specific principles of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (2005). Thus, it aims to foster reflection and facilitate action of stakeholders concerned.

The doctrine of informed consent is one of the most well known elements of medical ethics and bioethics today and is a pivotal principle that guides contemporary healthcare and research practices.

A unique feature of this Report is the examination of the principle of consent within the special circumstances of application in different types of practice (clinical practice, biomedical and clinical research, epidemiological research, public health, emergency situations, organ donation); in respect to subjects requiring special protection (neonates, children, clinically confused patients, patients with learning difficulties, the mentally ill, unconscious patients); and in various contexts (economic, social and cultural). Finally, the last part of the Report deals with the various ways of promoting the principle: education and training, public involvement and the role of States.

While the Report does not claim to be exhaustive nor prescriptive, its aim is to enrich reflection with a new multicultural perspective on the principle of consent and its real-life application, and to serve as a useful resource for Member States, organizations and individuals dealing with the issue of consent.

This publication is currently available in English. It will be made available in French in 2009.

Download the publication [PDF]

Copies can be obtained from UNESCO's Division of Ethics of Science and Technology, Bioethics Section.

Contact: ibc@unesco.org.

Related Links:

International Bioethics Committee (IBC)

Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights

UNESCO and Ethics of Science and Technology