Which ethical principle explains that the mother's autonomy outweighs the fetus's well-being in such cases?

Which ethical principle explains that the mother's autonomy outweighs the fetus's well-being in such cases?

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

Answer: (C)

Respect for patient autonomy is the ethical principle at play here. It upholds the pregnant person’s right to make informed decisions about her own body and medical care. When she is competent, her choices about pregnancy management take precedence—even if those choices affect the fetus’s well-being. Beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to promote good and avoid harm for the patient who is making the decision; in this scenario the patient is the mother, so her stated wishes guide the care. Justice concerns fairness and equity, which doesn’t directly dictate this particular decision. So autonomy best explains why the mother’s autonomy outweighs fetal well-being in these cases.

Respect for patient autonomy is the ethical principle at play here. It upholds the pregnant person’s right to make informed decisions about her own body and medical care. When she is competent, her choices about pregnancy management take precedence—even if those choices affect the fetus’s well-being. Beneficence and nonmaleficence aim to promote good and avoid harm for the patient who is making the decision; in this scenario the patient is the mother, so her stated wishes guide the care. Justice concerns fairness and equity, which doesn’t directly dictate this particular decision. So autonomy best explains why the mother’s autonomy outweighs fetal well-being in these cases.