Which ethical principle advocates for fairness in medical treatment and research?

The ethical principle that advocates for fairness in medical treatment and research is justice. This principle emphasizes the importance of distributing both benefits and burdens fairly among individuals and groups. In a medical context, justice ensures that patients have equal access to healthcare services and that resources are allocated without discrimination based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, or gender.

Furthermore, justice in medical ethics extends to research involving human subjects, emphasizing the need for equitable selection of participants and ensuring that the benefits of research are accessible to all, particularly to those who are vulnerable or marginalized.

While utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number, it does not inherently guarantee fairness or equity. Paternalism involves overriding an individual’s autonomy for their own good, which can sometimes lead to unequal treatment outcomes. Autonomy emphasizes individual rights and decision-making capacity, but does not directly address the fairness aspect in the distribution of healthcare resources. Thus, justice is the most relevant principle concerning fairness in medical treatment and research.