MCAT® ExamCritical Analysis and Reasoning SkillsMedium
During a medical ethics seminar, students are presented with a case where a patient with a severe, incurable disease requests to refuse life-sustaining treatment, even though their family strongly opposes this decision. The patient is deemed to have full decisional capacity. The ethical principle that most strongly supports the patient's right to make this choice is:
- AJustice
- BNon-maleficence
- CAutonomy
- DBeneficence
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make their own decisions about medical care, provided they have decisional capacity. This principle prioritizes the patient's self-determination over others' preferences, including family wishes.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Justice refers to fair distribution of resources and equitable treatment.
- B. Non-maleficence is the obligation to do no harm.
- D. Beneficence is the obligation to act for the patient's benefit.
Autonomy (Bioethics)
Autonomy in bioethics is the principle that individuals have a right to self-determination and independent decision-making regarding their own medical care, provided they have decisional capacity.
- Requires informed consent before treatment.
- Respects patient's values and preferences.
- Can conflict with other principles like beneficence.
Memory trick: A Big Naughty Jester. Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Justice.