Autonomie of relationele autonomie?

It is a common misunderstanding that respect for autonomy requires that the patient makes his decision without consulting others, and that everything the patient wants should happen without limits. Respect for autonomy, even in its most liberal interpretation, is limited by harm to others. Furthermore, the principle does not prohibit anyone from consulting with others, such as family, friends or professionals, if they choose to do so. Moreover, any medical procedure needs to be justified by a medical indication from a physician. In the light of these considerations, ‘relational autonomy’ is a superfluous term that may even threaten respect for autonomy.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.