What is the ethical principle that relates to fairness in medical decision-making?

The correct answer, in this case, is justice, which is a fundamental ethical principle that emphasizes fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatment within healthcare. In the context of medical decision-making, justice ensures that individuals receive fair access to healthcare services, that medical resources are allocated impartially, and that no group is disadvantaged based on factors such as socioeconomic status, race, or other personal characteristics.

Justice in medical ethics specifically addresses the need to consider how benefits and burdens are distributed among patients and communities, advocating for equitable treatment across the population. This principle also supports the idea that each patient deserves to have their needs addressed without bias and that everyone should have a fair opportunity to receive care and support.

Other principles, while important in their own right, focus on different aspects of medical ethics. For instance, autonomy emphasizes the patient's right to make informed choices about their own treatment; beneficence relates to the obligation of healthcare professionals to act in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being; and non-maleficence is the commitment to do no harm. While all these principles play a crucial role in the ethical framework of healthcare, justice specifically addresses the concern of fairness in medical decision-making.