Informed consent is an important outcome of what principle?

Informed consent is an important outcome of the principle of autonomy in biomedical ethics. Autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and bodies. In the medical context, this means that patients should have the ability to understand the information relevant to their treatment options and to make choices that align with their personal values and preferences.

The process of obtaining informed consent involves providing patients with comprehensive information about the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives related to a medical procedure or treatment. It ensures that patients can make voluntary and well-informed choices, respecting their autonomy. This principle is foundational to ethical medical practice, as it empowers patients and promotes trust between patients and healthcare providers.

In summary, informed consent is fundamentally tied to the ethical principle of autonomy, highlighting the importance of patient engagement and decision-making in healthcare.