Regulations and ethical bases in research involving human beings in Mexico

Medical research involving human subjects requires regulations that hierarchize human rights above all scientific interest. Over 70 years ago and following regrettable human research practices, several documents that guide ethical operation of research practices involving human beings were amended internationally. Following these international standings, Mexico developed several ethical, regulatory, and legal documents that must be applied in a national level in all research involving human beings. This paper seeks to present the general regulatory framework for research involving human subjects in Mexico to facilitate its incorporation into the organic structure of medical establishments, research centers and Mexican universities that do not have a health research organization based on regulation or which requires updating.