The value of self-governance or self-control. It is the ability for a person to be in charge of their own life. A doctor receive Informed Consent for every procedure, or else they are performing assault. In contrast to Paternalism

Tension

In Bioethics, autonomy often requires letting patients make decisions for themselves, which is often a bad idea. If there is a lack of autonomy, then it is advised to make decisions that allow the patient to live their life with their personal meaning.

Cases