Final answer:
The exact distance pregnant women in rural areas must travel for prenatal care was not specified in the 2015 study alluded to in the question. In general, rural expectant mothers often face significant travel distances for proper prenatal care, and rule utilitarianism may condone breaking traffic laws in emergencies to maximize overall utility, such as during urgent childbirth situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2015 study mentioned in the question is not specified with enough detail to give the exact answer regarding the distance pregnant women living in rural communities had to travel for prenatal care. However, it is well-documented that access to healthcare, including prenatal care, can be more challenging in rural areas due to the distance from medical facilities. This can result in women having to travel greater distances, often measured in tens of miles, to receive adequate prenatal care.
Addressing the broader implications, worsening environmental conditions could exacerbate these travel requirements, as well as potentially impacting the overall health of both mother and child. Policies and infrastructure developments to improve healthcare accessibility in rural areas are critical in ensuring the wellbeing of expectant mothers and their babies.
Regarding the ethical scenario provided, it is suggested that the rule utilitarianism (RU) approach would support breaking a standard traffic law such as stopping at a red light if doing so would provide greater overall utility. In the given situation, where a pregnant woman is about to deliver and emergency medical care is urgently needed, it is argued that the moral action would be to proceed through the red light to ensure the safety of the mother and child.