Which principle focuses on respecting a patient's rights to make decisions about their care?

The principle that emphasizes respecting a patient’s rights to make decisions about their care is autonomy. Autonomy is foundational in healthcare ethics, as it recognizes the right of individuals to govern themselves and make informed choices regarding their treatment options. This principle upholds the belief that patients should have the freedom to make decisions that align with their values and preferences, thereby allowing for a more personalized approach to healthcare.

By promoting autonomy, healthcare providers are encouraged to engage patients in discussions about their care, ensuring they are informed about potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This not only empowers patients but also fosters trust and strengthens the therapeutic relationship between patients and providers.

The other concepts, while important within the context of healthcare ethics, do not specifically focus on the decision-making rights of patients. Justice pertains to fairness in healthcare, beneficence relates to promoting good and acting in the best interest of patients, and non-maleficence is about avoiding harm. Each of these principles plays a crucial role in ethical decision making but does not directly encapsulate the essence of respecting a patient's decision-making authority.