Animal rights v animal research: a modest proposal

J Med Ethics. 1996 Oct;22(5):300-1; discussion 302-3. doi: 10.1136/jme.22.5.300.

Abstract

The practical problem of assuaging the opponents of animal research may be solved without formally addressing (or resolving) the underlying ethical questions of the debate. Specifically, a peaceful boycott of the "fruits" of animal research may lead to a wider cessation of such research, than, say, vocal or even violent protest. To assist those who might wish to participate in such a boycott- and, moreover, to critically inform them of the implications of their actions-1 offer a modest proposal: the use of an "animal research advance directive", a form which enumerates precisely which "fruits of research" are declined.

MeSH terms

  • Advance Directives
  • Animal Experimentation*
  • Animal Rights*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Research
  • Risk Assessment*
  • Therapeutics