Which ethical principle emphasizes fairness in the treatment of patients?

The principle that emphasizes fairness in the treatment of patients is justice. In the context of healthcare, justice refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to treat all patients fairly and equitably, ensuring that each individual receives the appropriate care and resources they need without discrimination or bias. This principle is important because it upholds the moral imperative that all patients, regardless of their background, should have equal access to healthcare services and be treated with respect and dignity.

Justice plays a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that eliminate inequalities in healthcare access and treatment. It contributes to the overall goal of a just healthcare system, where resources are allocated fairly and biases, whether conscious or unconscious, are actively addressed.

The other principles mentioned have distinct roles: autonomy focuses on respecting a patient's right to make decisions about their own healthcare, beneficence emphasizes the duty to provide benefit and act in the best interest of patients, and veracity pertains to the commitment to truthfulness and honesty in patient interactions. While these principles are also essential to ethical healthcare practice, none specifically addresses the aspect of fairness in treatment like justice does.