Choosing for another: beyond autonomy and best interests

Hastings Cent Rep. 2009 Mar-Apr;39(2):31-7. doi: 10.1353/hcr.0.0113.

Abstract

According to bioethics orthodoxy, when we ask, "What would the patient choose?" the patient's autonomy is at stake. In fact, what underpins the moral force of that question is a value different from either autonomy or best interests. This is the value of doing things in a way that is authentic to the person.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Death
  • Decision Making*
  • Ethics, Medical*
  • Humans
  • Mental Competency*
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Proxy / psychology*