Which aspect of informed consent ensures the participant can withdraw from treatment or study without penalty?

• A. Voluntariness
• B. Capacity
• C. Information
• D. Confidentiality

Answer: (A)

Voluntariness is the key. It means participating is a free choice made without coercion or undue influence, and the person can stop at any time. The right to withdraw without penalty is a direct safeguard of autonomy in both treatment and research, ensuring someone can discontinue participation without losing benefits, access to care, or facing retaliation. Other elements support informed consent in different ways—capacity refers to the ability to understand and appreciate what participation involves, information covers what is disclosed about risks and alternatives, and confidentiality protects privacy—but they do not alone guarantee the right to withdraw without penalty.