A public health nurse is planning a prenatal program to ensure that resources are equally available to all community members. Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse practicing?

Rationale: A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to being faithful to commitments and maintaining trust in professional relationships. While important in nursing, it does not specifically relate to equitable distribution of community resources. B. Autonomy: Autonomy emphasizes respecting an individual’s right to make informed decisions about their own care. Planning a program to ensure equal access addresses fairness, not individual decision-making. C. Justice: Justice involves fairness in the distribution of resources, benefits, and risks. By ensuring prenatal resources are equally available to all community members, the nurse is practicing the ethical principle of justice and promoting equity in healthcare access. D. Nonmaleficence: Nonmaleficence focuses on preventing harm to clients. While relevant to all nursing practice, it is not the primary principle guiding equitable allocation of prenatal resources in the community.