What is required for a medical procedure to be performed ethically?

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement for any medical procedure. It ensures that patients are fully aware of what the procedure entails, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives, thus allowing them to make an educated decision about their healthcare. This process is crucial because it respects the autonomy of the patient, affirming their right to make choices about their own body and medical treatment.

Obtaining informed consent entails providing clear and comprehensive information in a way that the patient can understand, and it often requires the opportunity for the patient to ask questions before agreeing to proceed. This practice not only fosters trust between the patient and healthcare provider but also upholds ethical standards within the medical field. Without informed consent, a procedure could be seen as coercive or non-consensual, which raises significant ethical and legal concerns.