Animals in biomedical research
...ly by analogy. However, cruelty to animals is illicit and they should be protected, principally not because they have rights, but because he who is cruel to animals is more likely to be cruel to his fellowman. If there is a need for animal experimentation in science for the good of man, this approach gives philosophical justification for experimentation, since man's well-being must come before that of animals because of his unique possession of rights. However, those experiments should be carried out in the kindest way possible, to promote kindness towards man. To see man as solely part of a biological continuum in competition for rights with those beings close to him biologically, detracts from man's dignity. There are many benefits that result from experimenting on animals. Animal research contributes to scientific breakthroughs, new medications, treatments and even cures for human disease. Animal rights activists will often distort the facts about animal research; in some cases, flat out lie. It is important to understand the truth about animal research and how it benefits humans. Virtually all medical knowledge, treatment and many medical breakthroughs of the last century have depended upon research with animals. Biomedical research using animals has contributed to an increased life expectancy of about 25 years in the U.S. since 1900. There is a great need for continued research on AIDS, heart disease, viral infections, arthritis and other compelling health problems. The means to cure, treat and prevent these diseases will depend upon continued animal research. Some examples of medical advances that were discovered through animal research include: Immunizations for polio, mumps, measles and hepatitis. Also, treatments such as antibiotics, insulin, and chemotherapy have been discovered this way. New medications to treat high blood pressure, mental illness and arthritis are helping people live healthier lives. Some surgical procedures such as coronary bypasses, joint replacements, arthroscopic surgery, limb reattachments, and heart, kidney and liver transplants were aided with the help of animals. Initially, research is used on mice and rats. In fact, mice and rats make up approximately 90% of all animal research. Mice and rats are top choice in animal research experiments, because it is possible to breed mice that are genetically identical; this is crucial to conducting controlled experiments. If two groups of mice are undergoing an experiment, one group getting a test medication and the other not, it is important that the two groups of mice be genetically identical to eliminate flaw in the experiment. Once a drug, or procedure, has undergone experiments with mice and proves to have potential, researchers then move up to higher-order animals. Higher...