Which principle defines the ethical obligation to do no harm?

The principle that defines the ethical obligation to do no harm is non maleficence. This principle serves as a foundational concept in medical ethics, emphasizing that healthcare professionals must avoid causing harm to patients. It is based on the moral obligation to not inflict harm intentionally. In practice, this means that medical interventions should be carefully considered to ensure that the potential benefits outweigh any risks involved.

In contrast, other ethical principles, such as beneficence, focus on the duty to promote good and take positive steps to enhance the welfare of patients, while justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources and treatments. Autonomy emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Although all these principles are important in healthcare ethics, non maleficence specifically addresses the critical obligation to refrain from actions that could cause harm to patients.