Which principle emphasizes fairness in the distribution of health resources?

The principle that emphasizes fairness in the distribution of health resources is justice. In the context of healthcare, justice refers to the ethical obligation to ensure that individuals have fair access to health resources and services, regardless of factors such as socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location. This principle advocates for an equitable distribution of benefits and burdens within society, aiming to correct imbalances and ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to receive adequate healthcare.

Justice is often contrasted with other principles in healthcare ethics, which have different focuses. For instance, equity typically pertains to the fair treatment of individuals and may overlap with justice; however, it is broader in the sense that it can apply to various social contexts beyond healthcare. Nonmaleficence is concerned with the obligation to avoid causing harm, while beneficence refers to the duty to promote good and act in the best interest of patients. While these principles are vital in the ethical framework of healthcare, justice specifically addresses the fairness of resource distribution, making it the correct answer in this context.