Biomedical Research
Animal Testing for Biomedical Research
More than 25 million vertebrate animals are used annually in biomedical research in the United States alone. “Biomedical Research is the broad area of science that looks for ways to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness and death in people and animals” (“What is Biomedical Research.”) Biomedical research dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the past, biomedical research has led to the treatments and vaccines of diseases such as Polio, Small Pox, and Diabetes. In addition biomedical research has helped develop anti-depressants, tranquilizers, and antibiotics. “Animals are used to understand basic biology, as “models” for studying human biology and disease, and as test subjects for the development and testing of drugs, vaccines, and other biologicals to improve and advance human health.” (“Biomedical Research.”) The use of animals for biomedical research is debated by many due to questions surrounding the impact on the animal’s health, the ethics of using animals and the effectiveness of the results.
The use of animals for biomedical research is needed in order to seek advances in human health. There is no argument that any kind of testing on living things comes without some form of pain and suffering to whoever the subject is, but scientists argue that if human benefits are gained and there is no other method animal testing is okay. There are existing laws and guidelines placed to regulate animal testing such as, the US Government Principles for the utilization and care of vertebrate animals used in Testing, Research, and Training law and the Animal Welfare Act. Though many believe the testing of substances on animals for biomedical research is morally wrong, some do not. In recent polls, people who have attended at least four years of college were more likely to be pro animal testing than people who did not. The theory behind this is that people who have a four year degree have a more educated
More than 25 million vertebrate animals are used annually in biomedical research in the United States alone. “Biomedical Research is the broad area of science that looks for ways to prevent and treat diseases that cause illness and death in people and animals” (“What is Biomedical Research.”) Biomedical research dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. In the past, biomedical research has led to the treatments and vaccines of diseases such as Polio, Small Pox, and Diabetes. In addition biomedical research has helped develop anti-depressants, tranquilizers, and antibiotics. “Animals are used to understand basic biology, as “models” for studying human biology and disease, and as test subjects for the development and testing of drugs, vaccines, and other biologicals to improve and advance human health.” (“Biomedical Research.”) The use of animals for biomedical research is debated by many due to questions surrounding the impact on the animal’s health, the ethics of using animals and the effectiveness of the results.
The use of animals for biomedical research is needed in order to seek advances in human health. There is no argument that any kind of testing on living things comes without some form of pain and suffering to whoever the subject is, but scientists argue that if human benefits are gained and there is no other method animal testing is okay. There are existing laws and guidelines placed to regulate animal testing such as, the US Government Principles for the utilization and care of vertebrate animals used in Testing, Research, and Training law and the Animal Welfare Act. Though many believe the testing of substances on animals for biomedical research is morally wrong, some do not. In recent polls, people who have attended at least four years of college were more likely to be pro animal testing than people who did not. The theory behind this is that people who have a four year degree have a more educated