Scientists and Doctors Raise Concerns About the Use of Animals in Research

An increasing number of scientists and doctors are questioning and refuting the long-standing practice of experimenting on animals in the name of human medicine. Concerns range from the physical and mental welfare of animals to the gross physiological and chemical differences not only between species, but within species.

Beyond the visible differences between humans and other animals, myriad internal genetic, biological, and physiological factors separate us. Indeed, variations within species can confuse studies, but extrapolating data from one species to another is even more problematic.

The past several years have seen an increasing number of published studies indicating the myriad failures of using experiments on animals to predict human health. Additionally, the media is increasingly giving voice to doctors and professionals who are speaking out against the antiquated, wasteful, and inhumane practice.

The following is a selection of resources related to the use of animals in medical research:

Fact Sheets and Resources

What Health Charities Say About Animal Experiments (pdf)

Why Animal Experiments Fail in Birth Defect Research (pdf)

Rats: Test Results That Don’t Apply to Humans

Human Patients Hold the Key in Birth Defects Research (pdf)

Letters and Editorials

"Flaws With Animal Research a Deep-Rooted Problem," Aysha Akhtar, M.D., M.P.H., and Jarrod Bailey, Ph.D., online British Medical Journal

“They Think, They Feel Pain,” Jonathan Balcombe, Ph.D., The Miami Herald

 “Testing Drugs on Animals No Longer Suitable Option,” Deborah Wilson, M.D., Arizona Tribune

“Over-reliance on the accuracy of animal testing is dangerously misleading and puts human life at risk,” Kathy Archibald, director of Europeans for Medical Progress, The Guardian

"'Walk Again’ Warning,” Aysha Akhtar, M.D., M.P.H., New Scientist

“Studies Underscore Risk of Animal Testing,” John J. Pippin, M.D., F.A.C.C. The Charleston Gazette

For a list of published studies questioning animal research, click here

For additional PCRM resources on animal experimentation issues, click here

Posted: 1/24/07

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research.