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

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

Answer: (C)

Autonomy means recognizing that patients have the right to make their own decisions about their care. It involves providing clear information about options, risks, and benefits, ensuring the patient has the capacity to decide, and obtaining voluntary, informed consent. When a patient chooses a course of action—whether it aligns with a clinician’s recommendation or not—respecting autonomy means supporting that decision as long as the patient is informed and not coerced.

This principle is distinct from beneficence, which focuses on acting in the patient’s best interest; nonmaleficence, which is about avoiding harm; and justice, which concerns fairness and appropriate distribution of care. A scenario that illustrates autonomy is a patient who understands the potential benefits and risks of a treatment but opts to decline it; the clinician honors that choice because the patient retains decision-making power over their own body.