Legal Definitions - autonomy privacy

Autonomy privacy refers to an individual's fundamental right to make personal decisions about their own life, body, and identity without unwarranted interference from the government or other powerful entities. It encompasses the freedom to control one's personal choices and information, particularly when those choices relate to fundamental aspects of self-determination, such as health, family, and personal lifestyle. This aspect of privacy protects an individual's capacity to act as an independent agent in matters central to their personal existence.

Here are some examples illustrating autonomy privacy:

• Example 1: Medical Treatment Decisions

  An adult patient, fully informed of the risks and benefits, decides to refuse a recommended surgical procedure for a non-life-threatening condition, opting instead for a less invasive treatment or no treatment at all. This decision is contrary to their doctor's strong advice.

  This illustrates autonomy privacy because the patient is exercising their right to make a deeply personal decision about their own body and health care, free from coercion or state mandates, even if medical professionals or family members disagree with their choice. The law generally protects an individual's right to control their own medical treatment.

• Example 2: Personal Lifestyle and Family Planning

  A couple decides to use contraception to prevent pregnancy, or conversely, chooses to have children through assisted reproductive technologies, despite societal norms or family expectations.

  This demonstrates autonomy privacy as it involves the couple's fundamental right to make private decisions about procreation, family planning, and their personal lifestyle choices, free from government interference or legal compulsion regarding such intimate matters.

• Example 3: Control Over Personal Data Affecting Opportunities

  An individual chooses to keep their genetic predisposition to a certain non-communicable disease private from their employer or a potential lender, fearing that this information could lead to discrimination in employment or higher loan rates.

  This highlights autonomy privacy because it concerns the individual's control over highly personal and sensitive information that could directly impact their life choices and opportunities (such as employment or financial stability). Their right to prevent its disclosure protects their ability to make decisions about their future without undue external influence based on private data.