In a common approach to bioethical problem solving, which question addresses consequences, including probabilities and severities?

• A. Who has legitimate interest in the outcome?
• B. What actions might you take?
• C. What are the consequences? (probabilities, severities)
• D. What are you obligations?

Answer: (C)

In evaluating bioethical problems, forecasting the consequences—including how likely different outcomes are and how serious they would be—is the essential step that guides sound decisions. This focus on outcomes turns the abstract question of what might happen into a practical risk-benefit assessment: what benefits are expected, what harms could occur, and how likely each scenario is. By assigning probabilities and considering the severity of each possible result, you can compare the overall impact of different courses of action and choose the option that offers the best balance of good and bad outcomes for those affected.

This approach is distinct from simply asking who is affected (stakeholders) or what actions you might take (possible options) or what your duties require (obligations). Those questions identify people, choices, and duties, but they don’t natively push you to weigh the likely sizes of benefits and harms. The consequences question makes the evaluation of impact explicit, enabling a more informed and proportional decision.