It is important to note that even pragmatic arguments about rationing scarce medical resources can be highly controversial. During World War II, when army doctors were forced to ration doses of penicillin, they decided to give first priority to men with sexually transmitted diseases, who would be ready to return to the battlefield more quickly.
需要注意的是从实用主义出发配给稀缺医疗资源的做法具有极大的争议。二战期间，当军医被迫配给有限的青霉素时，他们决定优先治疗性病患者，因为这些人可以更快地重返战场。但不少人提出异议认为在战斗中负伤的士兵更有资格得到药物。