What ethical framework emphasizes the rights of individuals?

The rights-based ethical framework is centered around the inherent rights of individuals, emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting these rights in decision-making processes. This framework acknowledges that all individuals possess certain fundamental rights, such as the right to life, liberty, privacy, and freedom from harm, which must be honored regardless of the consequences.

In the context of healthcare, a rights-based approach ensures that patients are treated with dignity and their autonomy is respected. This means healthcare providers must advocate for patients' rights and ensure that they are informed and included in decisions about their care. The framework supports the idea that individuals should have the freedom to make choices about their bodies and health without undue interference.

Utilitarian and consequentialist frameworks focus on the greater good or the outcomes of actions rather than individual rights, often prioritizing collective well-being over those of individuals. Virtue ethics emphasizes character and moral virtues in individuals rather than directly addressing rights. Therefore, the rights-based ethical framework distinctly prioritizes individual rights, making it the correct answer for this question.