Should Animals Be Used To Aid Biomedical Research

Animals have been used to aid biomedical research for centuries. Greek physician-scientists, such as Aristotle, (384 – 322 BC) and Erasistratus, (304 – 258 BC), performed experiments on living animals. An Arab physician in twelfth century Spain, Ibn Zuhr, introduced animal testing as an experimental method for testing surgical procedures before applying them to human patients (Hajar). Recently, however, the science and medical community has come under fire for these experiments. Many have criticized the inhumane way these animals are being treated. They do not have the choice to undergo these surgeries, they are forced upon them. Although this is true, animals do not have the cognitive ability to choose for themselves, the benefit of experimenting on animals is far superior. The limited number of animals tested on is a small price to …show more content…
This is also a concern of the scientists, therefore the testing is highly regulated. Many laws and guidelines have been placed to ensure the best and least painful procedure possible. Since 1966, these experiments have been regulated by the Animal Welfare Act. The initial document placed “minimum standards of care and housing for dogs, cats, primates, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs in the premises of animal dealers and laboratories...” (Animal Welfare Institute). Since then many more rules have been placed to protect the animals. Every research facility is required to have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. These committees “approve and review research protocols, ensure that anesthesia and postoperative medications are used when appropriate, and that alternatives to animals are sought out and integrated into studies whenever possible.” Facilities are also reviewed for humane practices by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (Americans for Medical