For or against animal testing - Essay Example

An Argument For Animal Testing There is a raging debate on the use of animals for scientific research and testing. Although the practice has been going on since the time of Aristotle in 4th Century, BC (Buzzle.com), it continues to elicit varied reactions from different people. The core question remains, is the use of animals for testing justified? It cannot be denied that science has attained progress through the use of animal testing. Several life-saving drugs and treatments have been developed through this practice.

The European Forum of Good Clinical Practice had organized a workshop and gave conclusions on ethical recommendations on animal experimentation and clinical studies, whereas, much as the participants would want to see the use of animals in researched phased out, it still remains as a long term goal (European Forum for Good Clinical Practice). If the practice is to stop now without alternatives in place, it would have a damaging effect on the research and development of new medicines that may save a lot of people.

The fact remains that people still want safe medicines. The workshop has provided an avenue for different perspectives to be discussed. Key actors from different stand points were given an opportunity to share their opinions. A member from the European Parliament, representatives from the pharmaceutical industry, the animal protection group, the ethics committee and patients, all came to a common ground central to the ethical principles of doing no harm to the human participants and avoiding animal testing whenever possible.

However, it is in this point in time that this practice cannot be avoided if we are to continue our quest for cures and better treatments. It is then the responsibility of all to make sure that certain conditions are met like avoidance of unnecessary animal testing and to make sure that alternatives to animal use are being sought (European Forum for Good Clinical Practice). It is not to say that those who are agree to animal testing, would like to see the animals suffer or be treated inhumanely.

These people are just addressing a present reality that mankind for its survival, need science research to progress and that alternative to animal testing are not at the moment present. The challenge therefore, is to ensure that researchers adhere to the applicable laws, regulations and policies governing animal testing including the Animal Welfare Act and Public Health Policy for Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Further to this, the US Food and Drug Authority advocates that research and testing derive the maximum amount of useful scientific information from the minimum number of animals and employ the most humane methods available within the limits of scientific capability (US Food and Drug Authority).

In conclusion, therefore, not using animal for science research and testing is the ideal, something that must be made as a legitimate and desirable goal by all stakeholders. Animal welfare matters but at the moment, mankind has to learn a little bit more. As human beings, we have always been reliant to animals either as a source of sustenance or companionship. Our dependence now grows a step further for we seek knowledge in their beings. The knowledge they provide is the precursor of medicines and treatment than can save the lives of a great many people.

Works CitedBuzzle.com. Using Animals for Research. 20 November 2011 .European Forum for Good Clinical Practice. "Animal experimentation and clinical studies: Ethical Considerations to Ensure Participants safety in Early Drug Development." 11 July 2008. European Forum for Good Clinical Practice website. 21 November 2011 .US Food and Drug Authority. "US Food and Drug Authority website." 31 May 1999. Animal Testing. 21 November 2011 .