Animal Research And The Ethical Debate

Animal research has paved the way for important discoveries. Kalat (2016) points out that many scientists believe it is “better to inflict distress under controlled conditions than to permit ignorance and disease to inflict greater distress” (p. 11). Scientists are faced with the ethical question of “What is considered inappropriate when using animals for research?” Studies show that “researchers look for alternatives to using animals when possible” (Jensen, Forsberg, Gamborg, Millar, & Sandoe, 2011). As Christians, when the ethical question arises we must remember that the research is for our betterment. Many of us have, or will go through a time when a family member or friend is diagnosed with a disease and the treatment involves research that was acquired from using animals. My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia a few years …show more content…
His treatment directly resulted from answers that were found while using animals for research. What many people do not realize is that at times the only way to research a disease is through the use of an alive specimen. Ericson (2014) points out that without living specimens “Alzheimer’s disease would be lost, as relevant research requires living systems”. God is the owner of everything. Psalm 50:10-11 states that “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and I know the wild beasts of the field are Mine (New King James Version). God has also given us dominion over the animals, so when animals are being used for research we are following God’s command to use the animals for our betterment. When we look at animal research as a way to better our fellow mankind I believe that God blesses us with answers to medical