The biotechnology company's decision to _______ its controversial research program came after mounting pressure from ethicists who questioned whether the potential benefits justified the moral risks involved.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
discontinue
accelerate
advertise
celebrate
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. The passage describes responding to pressure about moral risks. "Discontinue" means to stop, fitting this ethical response to concerns.
Choice B is incorrect because "accelerate" would ignore ethical concerns. Choice C is incorrect because "advertise" doesn't address the controversy. Choice D is incorrect because "celebrate" is inappropriate for moral concerns.