Which statement best describes the non-maleficence principle in medical ethics?

Which statement best describes the non-maleficence principle in medical ethics?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Autonomy
• C. Non-maleficence
• D. Justice

Answer: (C)

Non-maleficence centers on avoiding harm to the patient. In practice, this means not taking actions that could injure someone and actively minimizing risks of any treatment, even when there might be potential benefits. The duty is to weigh harms against benefits and choose options with the least risk or to abstain from interventions when the harm would outweigh any improvement. This principle is distinct from beneficence, which is about actively doing good, from autonomy, which respects patient choice, and from justice, which concerns fair treatment.

Non-maleficence centers on avoiding harm to the patient. In practice, this means not taking actions that could injure someone and actively minimizing risks of any treatment, even when there might be potential benefits. The duty is to weigh harms against benefits and choose options with the least risk or to abstain from interventions when the harm would outweigh any improvement. This principle is distinct from beneficence, which is about actively doing good, from autonomy, which respects patient choice, and from justice, which concerns fair treatment.