Which principle supports a patient's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare?

The principle that supports a patient's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare is autonomy. Autonomy emphasizes the individual's right to make informed choices about their own medical treatment and personal health decisions. This respect for autonomy acknowledges that patients have unique values, beliefs, and preferences and recognizes their capacity to participate actively in their own healthcare processes.

When healthcare providers uphold autonomy, they provide patients with the necessary information regarding their condition and treatment options, allowing them to make choices that align with their personal goals and lifestyle. This can lead to improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and overall health outcomes, as patients who are involved in their own decision-making are more likely to engage in their care positively.

The other principles mentioned, such as beneficence, justice, and nonmaleficence, play essential roles in healthcare ethics but do not specifically address a patient's right to self-determination and decision-making in the context of their own health. Beneficence focuses on promoting the well-being of patients, justice relates to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources, and nonmaleficence is about avoiding harm. While these principles are critical in guiding healthcare practices, they do not encapsulate the essence of a patient's right to govern their own healthcare decisions the way