NichtSchädigung

NichtSchädigung is a normative concept in ethics that denotes the obligation to avoid causing harm to others. In English, it is often translated as nonmaleficence and is closely linked to the principle primum non nocere. The term is widely used in medical ethics but also appears in discussions of law, public policy, and professional conduct. The idea emphasizes duties to refrain from actions that could injure, inflict pain, or impose disproportionate risks.

Historically, the concept has roots in the Hippocratic tradition, though the exact wording varies. In modern bioethics, NichtSchädigung is one of the four core principles—alongside Autonomy, Beneficence, and Justice—articulated by Beauchamp and Childress. It is not merely refraining from harm but also balancing risks and benefits to minimize net harm.

In practice, NichtSchädigung guides decisions such as withholding or withdrawing harmful treatments, minimizing side effects, and ensuring informed consent. It may require patient-specific considerations, including age, capacity, and preferences, and it interacts with beneficence when actions intended to benefit a patient could entail some risk of harm.

In law and policy, the principle underpins standards of risk assessment, safety regulations, and professional duties of care. It supports protective measures in medicine, technology, and the environment, aiming to prevent unnecessary injury while respecting autonomy and social justice.