Which statement best describes utilitarianism in the context of health care ethics?

• A. The value of an action is determined by its usefulness to society
• B. Every action must adhere to universal rules
• C. Individual preferences guide decisions
• D. Moral duties are universal and absolute

Answer: (A)

In health care ethics, actions are judged by their consequences for overall welfare. The right action is the one that yields the greatest good for the greatest number, often balancing benefits and harms under resource limits. The statement about usefulness to society captures this focus on outcomes and collective benefit. This differs from rule-based ethics, which emphasizes universal duties, and from approaches that center on individual preferences. For example, when resources are scarce, utilitarian reasoning would favor interventions that maximize total health gains, even if some individuals receive less or none, though this raises questions about fairness and rights.