What is the act or power of making one's own decisions?

• A. Right-to-self determination
• B. Committee
• C. Leverage
• D. Reciprocity

Answer: (A)

Autonomy is the capacity to govern your own life, including medical choices. The act or power of making one’s own decisions is captured by self-determination, often framed as the right to self-determination. In healthcare, this means honoring a person’s ability to decide what happens to their body after receiving clear information and understanding the options. It underpins informed consent and the obligation to respect a patient’s choices, even when they differ from what a clinician would prefer. For example, a patient may decline a recommended procedure or choose a treatment that aligns with their values. In contrast, a committee is a group that decides collectively, leverage is about using power to influence outcomes, and reciprocity refers to mutual obligation—none describe an individual’s control over their own decisions.