This study aimed at analyzing health professionals' understanding of the bioethics principle of autonomy, including issues that involve its utilization. Documents from 13 journals indexed in Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), published between 2000 and 2004, were analyzed. Results were discussed based on content and category analysis. The following categories emerged: autonomy as a bioethical principle per se, autonomy as rescuing the human person in technical-scientific advancement processes, and autonomy as an instrument for reflection and action. It was concluded that bioethics aids the reflection on professional practices, overcoming the individualism generated by progress, stimulating inter-personal relationships, and defending rights that ensure human dignity.