Which term defines an individual's right to make decisions about their own health care?

Which term defines an individual's right to make decisions about their own health care?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Beneficence
• C. Non-maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (A)

Autonomy is the patient’s right to decide what happens to their own body, including accepting or refusing treatment, after being fully informed of options. Respecting autonomy means clinicians share information about risks and benefits and obtain informed consent, then honor the patient’s decision even if it contradicts medical advice. This is different from beneficence (doing what’s best for the patient), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (ensuring fair treatment and resource distribution). So, the term that defines the individual's right to make decisions about their own health care is autonomy. For example, a patient choosing to decline a recommended procedure illustrates autonomy in action.

Autonomy is the patient’s right to decide what happens to their own body, including accepting or refusing treatment, after being fully informed of options. Respecting autonomy means clinicians share information about risks and benefits and obtain informed consent, then honor the patient’s decision even if it contradicts medical advice. This is different from beneficence (doing what’s best for the patient), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), and justice (ensuring fair treatment and resource distribution). So, the term that defines the individual's right to make decisions about their own health care is autonomy. For example, a patient choosing to decline a recommended procedure illustrates autonomy in action.