Animal testing is frowned upon by many due to its harsh nature, but by looking at medical research and advancement, it is clear that it is necessary for human well-being.

According to the California Biomedical Research Association, “nearly every medical breakthrough in the last one hundred years has resulted directly from research using animals”. There has been many life-saving discoveries that have been because of this testing such as insulin, cardiac valve substitutes, anesthetics and pacemakers. Without these advancements many people would have died. Vaccines have been created such as polio that have drastically reduced morality and cases reported per year. 

Animal testing has been going on for a long time but there were not ethics laws in place the entire time when it began. Even though not every animal is protected under the Animal Welfare Act, because of strict ethics laws every single research project must be approved before they are able to use animal test subjects. According to California Biomedical Research Association “Whenever possible, researchers do use non-animal models for research. Computer models, tissue and cell cultures, and a number of other non-animal related research methods are used today in biomedical research…however animal testing is a necessity. For example, blindness cannot be studied in bacteria”. Scientists would not be able to study the full effects of medicines if they were not using test subjects. 

A common misconception people have is that all animal test subjects are primates because of our similar DNA make-up. In reality a very small percentage are used in research. Primates, dogs and cats makeup 0.75% of all test subjects. This is because of animal welfare laws that are in place to protect dogs, cats and primates. Unfortunately 95% of the test subjects are mice, rats and fish are they are not protected by the animal welfare act. Supporting ethical animal testing means the United States public must push for these rodents and fish to be covered by this Animal Welfare Act to ensure this research is done the most ethically as possible. This in no way discredits the ongoing research. 

Animal testing is a subject that many people do not want to discuss and has many negative connotations associated with the topic. Organizations such as PETA and Animal Welfare groups put together ads of very graphic scenes from these “labs” where animal research is conducted. These videos and articles make people horrified and against animal testing because they are not informed. Because many of these organizations are not well informed about the reasoning behind the testing it makes it hard to see the positive outcomes of this research. Because so many animal rights groups and some congress want to stop funding medical research using animals, the Foundation for Biomedical Research released this article about the advances animal research has made. It did not only talk about the past, but also the current testing in progress that is showing promising new treatment or breakthroughs. Pharmaceuticals will not be able to be put through to sales if they are not tested to see how they affect the users. New vaccines would also not be able to be released or furthered because their affects would be unknown. This article addresses specific populations that would be heavily affected including people who suffer from Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s. Because medical research is always advancing if this research was halted a lot of cures within grasp would be farther away than before.

Animal testing has discovered cures to many diseases, and this research has found cures to many diseases that affect animals such as distemper and rabies which used to be damaging and fatal to animals and humans. Also antibiotics do not just aid humans put can aid sick wildlife, livestock, or pets live longer and healthier instead of dying from curable diseases. Because of this research other preventatives have been created such as heart worm, flea and tick, and even food and chews that help to reduce tartar. Without vaccines many beloved pets would be dead from parvo virus or distemper which are now able to be prevented and treated. Foundation of Biomedical Research states:  “New treatments for glaucoma, heart disease, cancer, hip dysplasia and traumatic injuries can save or extend or enhance the life of a beloved pet and exciting new reproductive techniques are helping to preserve and protect threatened species.” Not only has it helped domestic species like dogs and cats, but also wild life. According to The National Academies Press “Animal research has also been integral to the preservation of many endangered species. The ability to eliminate parasitism, treat illnesses, use anesthetic devices, and promote breeding has improved the health and survival of many species. Animal research has also been integral to the preservation of many endangered species”.

In some research cases, scientists will employ both animals and humans as test subjects. Before they are able to use the human’s as test subjects they must test the drug on the animals to make sure it is not toxic. Raja Mangipudy wrote “Use of Animals for Toxicology Testing Is Necessary to Ensure Patient Safety in Pharamaceutical Development” to explain the process of a typical drug trial.  toxicity assessment in usually, two species (rodents and non-rodents), which allows for the identification of the totality and unique target organ toxicities that guide the development strategy of new chemical entities without undue risk to humans. Information obtained from these studies is used to estimate safe starting doses, acceptable dose- and exposure-ranges, development of specific monitoring strategies for adverse effects observed in animals, and criteria for both inclusion and exclusion of human test volunteers and patients.” Scientists are able to send these drugs to the next stage of development because of the help of these animals in correctly dosing the usage for humans. The issue with only using humans instead of also including animals within the research, is that is not humane. Many people would argue it is not humane either way but what it comes down to is an ethics committee. 

Specific medical advancement that have been contributed to animal research include penicillin, HPV vaccine, polio vaccine etc. Though many things have been created there are so many things that are being tested on right now including cure for Diabetes. There is a lot of research being done on how to better the insulin pump.

Animal research has been a subject of concern in many groups and political parties for years. Though it needs to happen, there are ways to improve humane setting such as helping to lobby for a better animal welfare act. It is important to remember all these animals have sacrificed so humans can live a better life. Without these medical advancements, many of us would be dead. 
