Veracity in bioethics refers to which principle?

• A. Providing accurate and complete information through truthful communication
• B. Protecting patient autonomy above all
• C. Maintaining confidentiality at all costs
• D. Benefiting patients even if information is withheld

Answer: (A)

Veracity means truth-telling and providing information that is accurate and complete so patients can understand their situation and make informed choices about their care. This principle supports autonomy because patients rely on honest, clear information to decide what they want to do.

That’s why the statement describing providing accurate and complete information through truthful communication is the best fit. The other ideas touch on related ethics topics—autonomy as a broader value, confidentiality as privacy, and withholding information to benefit someone—but they do not capture the specific duty to tell the truth and ensure accurate disclosure that veracity mandates.