Informed consent is required for every invasive medical

"Informed consent is required for every invasive medical procedure, from getting your ears pierced to having an abortion." These words by Bob McDonnell touch on a deeply important principle in the practice of medicine and ethics: that no person should undergo any form of intervention in their body without a full understanding of the consequences, risks, and benefits involved. Informed consent is not merely a legal formality—it is a recognition of the inherent dignity of each individual, a reminder that every person has the right to make decisions about their own body, free from coercion or ignorance. This principle is rooted in the ancient notion of autonomy and self-determination, the fundamental right to choose one’s own path, particularly when it comes to decisions that affect the body and health.

In the ancient world, the great philosophers and lawmakers understood the importance of personal autonomy and consent. In ancient Greece, Socrates famously said that the unexamined life is not worth living—a call for individuals to question, understand, and decide for themselves. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-awareness, and by extension, the right of individuals to be fully informed and self-determined in all their actions. In the realm of medicine, the ancient Greeks also recognized the need for informed decisions in their medical practice. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, set the foundation for medical ethics, famously including the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasized the physician's duty to do no harm and to involve the patient in decisions regarding their own care. Hippocrates understood that the trust between healer and patient is based on understanding and mutual respect.

McDonnell’s quote expands upon this ancient wisdom, placing informed consent at the heart of every medical intervention, whether it be as seemingly simple as a cosmetic procedure or as significant as a life-altering medical operation. The act of giving informed consent requires the patient to fully understand the risks, the alternatives, and the potential consequences of a procedure. It is an exercise in personal empowerment, a reaffirmation of one's right to make choices regarding their own health and body. This principle aligns with the ancient Roman law of jus vitae necisque, or the right to life and death, where the individual’s body was seen as their own to govern, rather than something that could be manipulated or controlled by others without their understanding and agreement.

Throughout history, the value of informed consent has been central to the development of ethical medical practice. One of the most poignant moments in the history of medical ethics came with the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study, conducted in the 20th century, where African American men were denied treatment for syphilis without their knowledge, despite being promised care. The violation of their autonomy, their lack of consent, and the disregard for their understanding of what was happening to them led to public outrage and, eventually, to the establishment of more stringent ethical standards for medical research. This scandal forever changed the landscape of medical ethics, reinforcing the necessity of informed consent in all medical practices, ensuring that patients are never treated as subjects to be experimented upon, but as individuals with rights and dignity.

The idea that informed consent must be present in all medical procedures, even something as seemingly simple as an ear piercing, underscores the recognition that every body is sacred and should be treated with the utmost respect. The decision to alter one’s body, no matter how minor the procedure, should always be made with full knowledge and understanding of its implications. This notion is deeply empowering—it places the individual at the center of their health care decisions, ensuring that their autonomy is preserved. It is a reminder that even the most routine procedures, when considered with respect, can be a part of one’s personal journey toward well-being.

The lesson here is clear: informed consent is not just a legal requirement, but a moral imperative. Just as Socrates and Hippocrates promoted the idea of individuals engaging with their health and decisions, we must continue to uphold the principle that every person should have the right to know and understand what happens to their body. Whether it is a minor procedure or a life-changing decision, the importance of knowledge, understanding, and choice cannot be overstated. The path to true health and healing begins with trust—trust that the individual has the right to control their body, their choices, and their future.

In our daily lives, we must apply this principle of informed consent not just in the realm of medicine but in all of our interactions. Whether in our relationships, in our work, or in our communities, we must ensure that all individuals are empowered with the knowledge and understanding they need to make informed choices. Just as informed consent protects the rights of individuals in the medical field, it should be the cornerstone of all respectful, ethical interactions. Let us remember that true respect for others comes from understanding, from the knowledge that we honor the choices they make and the autonomy they hold in their own lives.