The ethical principle that focuses on fairness in distributing benefits and burdens is called

The ethical principle that focuses on fairness in distributing benefits and burdens is called

• A. Autonomy
• B. Justice
• C. Beneficence
• D. Nonmaleficence

Answer: (B)

Justice in healthcare ethics centers on fairness in how benefits and burdens are distributed among people. It asks who should receive access to limited resources, who gets priority for treatment, and how systems ensure equal, non-discriminatory care. This stands in contrast to autonomy, which emphasizes respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices; beneficence, which aims to promote good for the patient; and nonmaleficence, which obligates us to avoid causing harm. In real-world settings, justice guides decisions about organ allocation, access to expensive therapies, research inclusion, and policies aimed at reducing disparities, ensuring that distributions are fair and equity-based.

Justice in healthcare ethics centers on fairness in how benefits and burdens are distributed among people. It asks who should receive access to limited resources, who gets priority for treatment, and how systems ensure equal, non-discriminatory care. This stands in contrast to autonomy, which emphasizes respecting individuals’ right to make their own choices; beneficence, which aims to promote good for the patient; and nonmaleficence, which obligates us to avoid causing harm. In real-world settings, justice guides decisions about organ allocation, access to expensive therapies, research inclusion, and policies aimed at reducing disparities, ensuring that distributions are fair and equity-based.