However , many other societies prioritize beneficence over autonomy .
In general , Western medicine defers to the wishes of a mentally competent patient to make their own decisions , even in cases where the medical team believes that they are not acting in their own best interests .
Many other societies prioritize beneficence over autonomy .
In general , Western medicine defers to the wishes of a mentally competent patient to make their own decisions , even in cases where the medical team believes that they are not acting in their own best interests .