In the context of medical ethics, utilitarianism can be exemplified by which of the following?

Utilitarianism is a principle in medical ethics that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It focuses on the overall wellbeing and benefits to society, rather than on the rights or welfare of individuals alone.

The Medicare system providing benefits to individuals over 65 aligns well with this ethical framework because it reflects a collective effort to enhance the health and quality of life for a significant segment of the population—older adults. By offering healthcare benefits specifically to this age group, Medicare aims to reduce suffering and improve health outcomes, thereby achieving a broader societal benefit.

Other options do not embody utilitarian principles in the same way. The right to make mistakes in patient care suggests an emphasis on individual actions potentially leading to adverse outcomes, rather than collective benefit. Freely offered healthcare to all citizens might appear aligned with societal good, but it lacks the targeted approach of utilitarianism focused on optimizing overall outcomes based on available resources. The idea that individual rights can be sacrificed for the whole does capture a utilitarian sentiment, but it leans more towards pure utilitarianism without the practical application seen in healthcare systems like Medicare.