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Autonomy

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Autonomy
Autonomy

Autonomy is the personal rule of the self that is free from both controlling interference by others, and from personal limitations that prevent meaningful choice. Autonomous individuals act intentionally, with understanding, and without controlling influence. The word autonomy can have many applications in various areas of study. If we speak of autonomy in the context of the medical profession, matters like; the patients’ rights, informed consent, and taboo subjects such as euthanasia and abortions are brought up. With acts such as the Freedom Of Choice Act, which eliminates restrictions on abortion nationwide, are passed and the government takes tighter control of physicians, physicians will be forced to perform or refer for abortions, provide contraception, offer euthanasia, and other things that might go against that doctors own moral and ethical compass. The right of patients to make decisions about their medical care without their health care provider trying to influence the decision is called patient autonomy. Patient autonomy does allow for health care providers to educate the patient, but does not allow the health care provider to make the decision for the patient. In medicine respect for a patient's personal autonomy is one of many fundamental ethical principles being weighted heavily against beneficence. Autonomy can be defined as the ability of the person to make his or her own decisions. In order to exercise the right of autonomy a patient must first posses the capacity to make decisions. In day-to-day practice doctors might often speak of the competent patient. This means the patient has been educated of all known possible outcomes, is not under the influence of any mind altering substance, and has the mental capacity to understand their decision or the subject of discussion. Users of the health care system have the right to be treated with respect for their autonomy and not feel the powerful influence of the doctor over powering

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