Arguments Against Animal Testing

In discussions of animal rights, one controversial issue has been animal experimentation. On the one hand, skeptics argue that animal experimentation is unnecessary and cruel as there are other “alternatives”. On the other hand, advocates contend that animal experimentation is essential to medical progress. My own view is that animal experimentation is needed in order to improve human health. Animals and humans have similarities and differences that benefit both humans and animals alike in medical terms. These animals that are used for experimentation are important in medical and scientific progress. Every species is different from one to another, they are unique in their own way. Just as there are differences there are also similarities as

Several alternative technologies have been suggested to replace animal testing such as MRI scanning, computer modeling, micro-dosing, and vitro testing. There are good intentions in finding other methods to replace animal testing, researchers are obligated by law to examine other methods. Yet the benefits provided from animal research cannot be duplicated. Computers in some cases have replaced animal experimentation, yet as helpful as a computer may be it has its limitations unfortunately. They are only able to provide information on what types of “phenomena” are known. According to AMP, “Because research consistently seeks answers to unknowns, a computer is unable to simulate how a particular cell might interact or react with a medical compound, or how a complex biological system such as the circulatory system will react to a new drug directed to improve organ function” (Medical Research Involving Animals Is Humane and Necessary). In Other words a computer cannot determine the outcome of the research since the research itself continually needs answers to its unknowns. An understanding of the models anatomy is needed first. Thus, this information comes through the testing done on animals, animals are needed in order to use a computer model. Vitro testing is testing done in test tubes at a molecular level. Even though vitro testing is done at micro level, there are obvious reasons why it will not replace animal testing. These test tubes have no blood circulatory systems, no brain, or nervous system at all. Advocacy group Speaking of Research provides information on the importance of animal experimentation in medical science. The group Speaking of Research states, “The in vitro system is not going to replace the animal models, but it will enable a vast number of pre-screens to be undertaken, hopefully vastly reducing the number of animal experiments