A 9-year-old child with end-stage renal disease is admitted…

A 9-year-old child with end-stage renal disease is admitted to the PICU with sepsis. The parents refuse a recommended blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. Without the transfusion, the child is at high risk of death. The medical team believes the transfusion is clearly lifesaving and urgently needed. Which ethical principle most strongly supports proceeding with the transfusion despite parental refusal?