Which statement correctly contrasts autonomy-based and justice-based arguments in resource allocation?

• A. Autonomy is about protecting communities over individuals.
• B. Justice means prioritizing physician preferences.
• C. Autonomy emphasizes patient choice.
• D. Autonomy emphasizes patient choice; justice emphasizes fair distribution of scarce resources; policies balance both.

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how autonomy and justice shape decisions about scarce resources. Autonomy centers on respecting patient choice and ensuring individuals can make informed decisions about their own care. Justice focuses on fair distribution—making sure limited resources are allocated equitably, often considering need, prognosis, and overall benefit. The strongest statement brings these together: autonomy emphasizes patient choice; justice emphasizes fair distribution of scarce resources; policies balance both. This captures the real-world need to honor what patients want while also ensuring fair access so that one person’s preferences don’t exhaust resources at the expense of others. The other options misframe autonomy or justice—autonomy isn’t about protecting communities over individuals, justice isn’t about physician preferences, and a stand-alone emphasis on patient choice leaves out the essential fairness component that policy must balance.