What ethical principle is illustrated by a family member requesting to stop treatments that cause more pain?

The ethical principle highlighted by a family member requesting to stop treatments that cause more pain is nonmaleficence. This principle emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm or suffering to patients. In the context of palliative care, when treatments are inflicting more pain than benefit, it becomes ethically important to consider whether the potential harm from the treatment outweighs any possible benefits.

By advocating for the cessation of such treatments, the family member is prioritizing the patient's comfort and well-being, aligning with the principle of nonmaleficence, which seeks to prevent additional suffering. In palliative care specifically, this principle is vital as it directs care towards minimizing pain and maximizing quality of life, even when curative options are limited or no longer effective. This action is fundamentally about protecting the patient from further harm, which is at the core of the nonmaleficence principle.