Which principle of medical ethics emphasizes patient control over one's own health decisions?

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

Answer: (A)

Respect for patient autonomy is the idea that individuals have the right to make their own health decisions, provided they have the capacity to decide and understand their options. This means obtaining informed consent, presenting risks and benefits clearly, and honoring a patient’s voluntary choices—even if the clinician would choose differently. For example, a patient may decide to refuse a treatment or to pursue a different plan, and that decision should be respected.

In contrast, non-maleficence is about not causing harm, confidentiality protects a patient’s private information, and beneficence focuses on actions that promote the patient’s best interests. Since the question centers on who controls health decisions, autonomy is the best fit.