Which principle emphasizes the importance of individual choice in bioethics?

The principle that emphasizes the importance of individual choice in bioethics is autonomy. Autonomy refers to a person's right to make their own decisions regarding their health and medical treatment. This principle acknowledges that individuals have the capacity and freedom to make choices about their own lives based on their values and preferences. In the context of bioethics, respecting autonomy means honoring patients' wishes and ensuring they are fully informed about their options, thereby empowering them to make decisions regarding their own care.

Beneficence focuses on the obligation to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting good and preventing harm. Justice involves fairness in medical decision-making and the equitable distribution of resources. Nonmaleficence emphasizes the duty to avoid causing harm to patients. While these principles are crucial in bioethics, it is autonomy that specifically highlights the role of individual choice and self-determination in healthcare decisions.