This principle requires that health care providers respect the right of individuals to make decisions for themselves, based on their own values and beliefs, and free from manipulation, coercion, and paternalism. (See the case of Dax Cowart.) Not only does it require that we respect their choices, but that except in some limited circumstances discussed below, we assist them in achieving their wishes.

Respect for persons' autonomy requires health care professionals to provide patients and their families with relevant and honest information, so that they are fully informed to give or withhold their consent for the particular treatments, care, or procedures that are proposed.

Respect for autonomy does not, however, mean that we must necessarily implement their decisions. It does not mean that the Principle of Beneficence, or concern for the well being of others, can simply be ignored. The American Medical Association's Code of Ethics notes that "Health care institutions and professionals may decline to provide a particular option because that choice would violate their conscience or professional judgments." However, The President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical Research (1983), stated that "they may not abandon the patient," but "should go to court" if the dispute cannot be resolved. (See the case of Elizabeth Bouvia). If what an individual chooses is illegal, or is contrary to the ethics of the individual professional, or of the mission, vision, and values of the institution, there should be no coercion to participate in, perform, or provide payment for such treatment. Catholic hospitals, and Catholic health care personnel in other than Catholic facilities ought never be required to perform or participate in intrinsically wrong actions, such as abortions, sterilizations, euthanasia, or physician assisted suicides.