The art of medicine assumes the dignity of every human life and the right of each individual to self-determination. Autonomy is the physician’s ethical obligation to facilitate the patient’s right to uncoerced choice or refusal of treatment. This is supported by the notion of Informed Consent: free assent to a treatment option with comprehensive understanding. It is the medical provider’s duty to protect the patient from coercive influences by ensuring that there is no manipulation or omission of information in the communication process. Included in the concept is the co-discovery by patient and doctor of the patient’s condition, not only physically, but personally, socially, emotionally, etc. to ensure that no coercive forces impose upon the patient’s empowered, autonomous choice.
