Which core ethical principle involves respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Nonmaleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Respecting a patient’s right to make their own decisions is the principle of autonomy. Autonomy means individuals have the capacity to understand information about their health, weigh the options, and choose or refuse treatment, with their choice being honored by the healthcare team. In practice, this is seen in obtaining informed consent, ensuring the patient understands benefits, risks, and alternatives, and respecting their decisions even if they differ from what the clinician would prefer.

Other ethical principles play different roles: beneficence focuses on acting in the patient's best interest to promote well-being, nonmaleficence is about avoiding harm, and justice concerns fairness in the distribution of care. Autonomy uniquely centers the patient’s right to self-determination, which is why it best fits the scenario.