4
The principle of autonomy is vital when deciding the use of life support measures. It
gives the patients the right to choose the medical treatment option, including the option to stop
life-sustaining therapies even if it could lead to their death. The family members or the medical
providers may take the responsibility of deciding the option for treatment if the patient is not in a
position to make the right decisions. Alongside the principle of autonomy, beneficence should be
adhered to (Perkins et al., 2021). This principle requires medical practitioners to strive to
improve the patient's health and well-being, thus protecting the patient's safety. The balance of
these two principles will require a comprehensive examination of the potential benefits and
harms of continuing or removing life support.
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The principle of autonomy is vital when deciding the use of life support measures. It
gives the patients the right to choose the medical treatment option, including the option to stop
life-sustaining therapies even if it could lead to their death. The family members or the medical
providers may take the responsibility of deciding the option for treatment if the patient is not in a
position to make the right decisions. Alongside the principle of autonomy, beneficence should be
adhered to (Perkins et al., 2021). This principle requires medical practitioners to strive to
improve the patient's health and well-being, thus protecting the patient's safety. The balance of
these two principles will require a comprehensive examination of the potential benefits and
harms of continuing or removing life support.