What bioethical principle emphasizes a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions?

The principle that emphasizes a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions is autonomy. This principle recognizes the importance of individuals having the freedom to make informed choices about their healthcare, reflecting their values, beliefs, and personal circumstances. Autonomy respects the individual's capacity for self-determination and acknowledges that each person should have the ability to accept or reject medical treatment based on their own preferences.

In clinical practice, upholding autonomy involves ensuring that patients receive comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and the potential risks and benefits associated with those options. This empowers patients to make informed decisions that align with their values.

The other principles, while important in the context of ethics, focus on different aspects of medical practice. Justice pertains to fairness and the equitable distribution of healthcare resources. Beneficence is the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting good and ensuring positive outcomes. Non-maleficence focuses on the commitment to do no harm to patients, prioritizing their safety and well-being. While all these principles are vital, autonomy specifically highlights the patient's right and ability to decide about their own health care.