The Principle of Autonomy, and decision-making differences between American and Chinese Cultures

Abstract

"I have researched the problem about how to practice the Principle of Autonomy for a patient or old person who loses decision-making capacity in China and the USA. What is the difference? In the United States, often a surrogate from family members makes decisions for a patient who has lost decision-making capacity. In some states the law would like to find the evidence of the patient’s past wishes and ‘advance directive’. Thus ultimately, this is not a family decision, or even family autonomy. This ‘advance directive’ of a patient’s wishes is important for practicing individual autonomy, and individual autonomy is not only protected by American law but also is recognized by the American culture of making ‘advance directives’. "