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Nonmaleficence

Meaning

Nonmaleficence is a foundational ethical principle in clinical practice, dictating the imperative to “do no harm” to the patient. This principle requires clinicians to actively avoid inflicting injury, suffering, or distress, and to weigh the potential risks of any intervention against its anticipated benefits. It is a cornerstone of medical decision-making, especially when considering therapies with significant potential side effects, such as powerful hormonal agents.