What ethical principle advocates for the fair distribution of healthcare resources?

The principle that advocates for the fair distribution of healthcare resources is justice. In the context of medical ethics, justice emphasizes that all individuals should have equitable access to healthcare services and that resources should be allocated fairly among patients based on their needs. This principle requires that societal and governmental systems identify and address disparities, ensuring that marginalized or disadvantaged populations receive appropriate healthcare without discrimination.

Autonomy, while important, primarily focuses on an individual's right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare. Beneficence involves acting in the best interests of the patient and promoting their well-being, while nonmaleficence stresses the obligation to avoid harm to patients. Although these principles are critical in ethical decision-making, they do not specifically address the equitable distribution of resources, which is the hallmark of the principle of justice.