Advanced directives are primarily associated with which ethical principle?

The correct answer is autonomy. Advanced directives are legal documents that allow individuals to express their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. This concept directly ties into the principle of autonomy, which emphasizes the right of individuals to make informed decisions about their own lives and medical care.

By allowing patients to outline their desires for end-of-life care and other medical interventions, advanced directives empower individuals to maintain control over their treatment options, thus respecting their personal values and choices. This aligns with the ethical obligation to promote respect for individuals as capable of making their own decisions.

In contrast, the other ethical principles mentioned—justice, veracity, and beneficence—do not primarily relate to the function of advanced directives. Justice refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and care; veracity is concerned with truthfulness and honesty in communication; and beneficence focuses on acting in the best interest of the patient to promote good outcomes. While these principles are also important in healthcare contexts, they do not specifically address the core purpose of advanced directives, which is fundamentally about respecting patient autonomy.