Should Animals Be Used in Medical Research? Essay - 485 Words.
Often, when on the subject of whether or not animals should be used in animal research, it generally sparks up a debate. Some argue that animal testing does not work and the practice is cruel to animals while others argue that the use of animal research has produced tremendous medical breakthroughs and should not be stopped.
The use of animals in scientific research has long been the subject of heated debate. On the one hand it is considered morally wrong to use animals in this way solely for human benefit. On the other hand, removing animals completely from the lab would impede our understanding of health and disease, and consequently affect the development of new and vital treatments.
Many students, from primary school to university, write assignments that relate to the issue of animal research. This page aims to support this by providing links to useful materials. It is especially useful to any students carrying out the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A-levels or Extended Essay as part of their International Baccalaureate studies.
The British Royal Society, argues that” virtually every medical achievement in the past century reliant on the use of animals in some way.”(The Royal Society 2004, p.1) including treatment of diabetes, heart surgery transplants and research that aims to increase knowledge about the way organisms behave, develop, and function biologically.
Our Position On The Use Of Animals In Research We appreciate the concerns of the public and recognise that many may have questions about the use of animals in research work funded by DRWF. The literature from many anti-vivisection organisations is often both emotive and shocking, but it is also misleading in parts and does not present an accurate picture of medical research in the UK today.
Use of animals in research.. We all support the principle that animals can be used in medical research where it is necessary to advance understanding of serious health conditions and to develop better treatments and where there is no alternative means of finding out that information without using animals.
The British Royal Society has released a statement regarding animal research, noting that almost every 20th century medical achievement relied on the use of animals in some way during the development process. Because it cannot be fully replaced by computer simulations or models, the argument is that live testing will continue to be needed.