Reporting child abuse falls primarily under which ethical principle?

Correct answer: A. Beneficence

• A. Beneficence (doing good, acting in the patient's best interest) is the primary principle. Mandatory reporting of child abuse serves the child's best interest and protects them from further harm — a beneficent act even when it conflicts with parental wishes or patient/parent expectations.
• B. Non-maleficence supports reporting indirectly, but beneficence (actively protecting the child) is the better primary principle.
• C. Justice involves equitable treatment; not the primary rationale for mandatory reporting.
• D. Veracity (truth-telling) is relevant but not the primary principle driving mandatory reporting.