Importance of Animal Testing

The use of animals in scientific research has made dramatic improvements in our understanding of the human race. Despite the controversies that surround this issue, without this process of testing it is certain that much of what is known today towards the quality and quantity of life would remain closed off to us. Over the years, scientists have gained the ability to solve medical problems, cure diseases, and develop vaccines all with the use of animals during scientific research. To believe that the use of animals is merely inhumane and immoral is only the denial of the overall benefits that result from research related to living organisms – humans and animals. Animals used in scientific research has led to substantial advances that are crucial to societies well being and should be considered ethical and justified counting that benefits it has provided. The medical benefits of animal research are a good starting point for this public controversy about the use of animals in research and testing. The testing of animals can introduce effects that are beneficial to the health of human individuals. By using animals in biomedical research, scientists have been able to solve medical problems that humans have been fighting for some time. According to Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, chairman of the foundation for Biomedical Research (1981), "Not one advancement in the care of patients – advancements that you use and take for granted every day – has been realized without the use of animal research." It is undeniable that every human during some stage in his or her life has benefited immensely from the use of animal testing. Antibiotics, insulin, to blood transfusions are minor treatments that animal testing played a crucial role in developing. What about the major diseases in our world today? Now, animal research is leading to dramatic progress against AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Animal testing can increase the understanding concerning the animal being