Which ethical principle focuses on respecting the patient's right to self-determination?

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

Answer: (B)

Autonomy centers on respecting a patient’s right to self-determination. It means recognizing that individuals with decision-making capacity have the freedom to make their own choices about care, to accept or decline treatments, and to give informed consent after understanding the risks and benefits. Health care providers must present information clearly, verify understanding, and support the patient’s decisions without coercion, even if they would choose differently. This principle underpins practices like voluntary consent and honoring an patient’s treatment preferences.

Beneficence is about acting in the patient’s best interest, which can at times conflict with autonomy if a patient refuses care. Fidelity involves keeping promises and maintaining trust, such as confidentiality and honoring commitments. Justice deals with fairness in the distribution of care and resources. Among these, autonomy most directly addresses the right to self-determination.