What do you think about animal testing? Below are some druidic opinions about both cosmetic and medical animal testing. Let us know what you think, send your opinions to the Ethical Pages coordinator.
Is it ethical to test chemicals on animals?
Cathi Yarrow : No. Ban all chemicals!
Is it ethically sound to use animals in medical research?
Cathi Yarrow : No. But I still wonder - if I was dying, or my loved ones were, how would I cope with that choice, whether or not to use conventional medicine that may have been animal tested. For me, this is a deeper question still, about the context of our wellbeing and the quality of our illness or our death. I don't believe that illness is always a bad thing, certainly death isn't. I would like to come to an easier acceptance of both of these states which would eliminate my urge to "make everything better" with modern medicine, based as it is on concepts of war (anti-this, anti-that) and violence (animal testing, invasive unnecessary surgery and medical intervention). But I'm not there yet - and I do still appreciate the good intentions of the doctors and nurses I have dealt with.
Bryn : I would ask in return, would you refuse life saving medication for yourself or your loved ones if it had been animal tested? The treatments used to save the lives of animals also come from animal testing. However, there are significant differences between us and our nearest mammilian relatives, which means animal testing isn't scientifically sound, ethical issues aside. Better alternatives should be sought.
