Which option best represents the principle of justice?

Which option best represents the principle of justice?

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

Answer: (C)

Justice in healthcare means fairness in how benefits, risks, and resources are distributed. It requires treating similar cases alike and actively addressing disparities so that all patients have equitable access to care, regardless of background or circumstances. In practice, this shows up as advocating for underserved populations, ensuring non-discriminatory policies, and using fair, transparent criteria when resources are limited. The other principles address different ethical duties: autonomy focuses on respecting patients’ rights to make their own choices; beneficence aims to act in the patient’s best interest; nonmaleficence centers on not causing harm. While important, justice specifically targets fairness and equity in care delivery, which is why it best represents this question.

Justice in healthcare means fairness in how benefits, risks, and resources are distributed. It requires treating similar cases alike and actively addressing disparities so that all patients have equitable access to care, regardless of background or circumstances. In practice, this shows up as advocating for underserved populations, ensuring non-discriminatory policies, and using fair, transparent criteria when resources are limited. The other principles address different ethical duties: autonomy focuses on respecting patients’ rights to make their own choices; beneficence aims to act in the patient’s best interest; nonmaleficence centers on not causing harm. While important, justice specifically targets fairness and equity in care delivery, which is why it best represents this question.