Informed consent is crucial because it protects:

Informed consent is fundamentally important because it safeguards the patient's right to make autonomous decisions regarding their healthcare. This process empowers patients by ensuring they are fully aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives associated with a proposed treatment or procedure. It promotes a partnership between the healthcare provider and the patient, fostering respect for the patient’s values and preferences.

When patients are well-informed, they can weigh their options and make choices that align with their personal values and beliefs, leading to a more patient-centered approach in healthcare. This practice not only enhances patient autonomy but also increases trust in the provider-patient relationship, ensuring that patients feel their voices and preferences are respected in the decision-making process regarding their treatment.

While informed consent does have implications for legal protection of healthcare providers and facilities, its primary role is to empower patients and uphold their rights.