Ethics & Law · single question
Reporting suspected child abuse is primarily based on which ethical principle?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Beneficence
Beneficence (doing good, protecting patient welfare) is the primary ethical principle driving mandatory abuse reporting.
- A. ❌ Autonomy relates to patient self-determination; abuse reporting overrides the abuser's autonomy to protect the child.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Beneficence drives mandatory abuse reporting: acting to protect the child's welfare.
- C. ❌ Veracity is honesty; while related, beneficence is the driving principle.
- D. ❌ Justice involves equitable treatment; less directly applicable here.