Which principle supports allowing a patient to make their own healthcare decisions, even if those choices differ from medical advice?

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

Answer: (B)

Autonomy is the principle that recognizes a patient as the author of their own health decisions. When a patient has decision-making capacity, they have the right to accept or refuse medical recommendations based on their values, beliefs, and preferences. Respecting autonomy means providing complete information, ensuring understanding, and not coercing or manipulating the patient, even if their choice differs from what healthcare providers would choose. If the patient refuses a recommended treatment, the clinician should explore the reasons, confirm that the patient understands the consequences, and support the decision while documenting it as an informed refusal. Of course, if a patient lacks capacity or is in an emergency, different rules apply and a surrogate decision-maker or implied consent may be used, but for a competent patient, autonomy guides practice.