Which ethical principle completes Beneficence by emphasizing harm avoidance?

The principle that completes Beneficence by emphasizing harm avoidance is Nonmalfeasance. This ethical principle focuses on the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. While Beneficence is about acting in the best interest of patients and promoting their well-being, Nonmalfeasance complements this by ensuring that healthcare providers refrain from any actions that could lead to harm.

This relationship is essential in medical ethics, as it highlights the importance of not just promoting good outcomes but also avoiding negative consequences. Practitioners must balance their efforts to do good with the imperative to not inflict harm, ensuring that patient safety and welfare remain at the forefront of healthcare practices. Understanding this connection helps to create a framework where ethical decision-making in healthcare prioritizes both beneficence and nonmalfeasance.