non human animals + what is good biomed research Flashcards
What is speciesism?
the belief that one species, typically humans, is superior to others, justifying differential treatment of nonhuman animals. It is a form of discrimination based on species, similar to racism or sexism, where beings are valued according to their species membership rather than their individual capacities or characteristics.
Is speciesism defensible?
Most scholars in animal ethics argue that speciesism is indefensible, as moral consideration should be based on sentience (the ability to experience suffering) rather than species membership. However, some scholars, like Deckers (2016), provide alternative views that may justify speciesism in certain contexts, though such views are less widely accepted.
What is the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)?
UK legislation that regulates the use of nonhuman animals in scientific research. It ensures that animals are protected from unnecessary harm, particularly during procedures that cause pain, suffering, distress, or injury.
What forms of protection does ASPA apply to?
The ASPA applies to living vertebrates (excluding humans) and cephalopods at certain stages of development:
Mammals, birds, and reptiles: Protection applies after two-thirds of the gestation or incubation period.
Other species: Protection applies once the animal can feed independently.
What does ASPA define as “scientific procedures”?
Scientific procedures under ASPA refer to any action that causes harm, suffering, pain, or distress to animals, where this harm exceeds that caused by simple procedures like the insertion of a needle.
What is section 2A of ASPA, and what does it support?
Section 2A of ASPA promotes the Three Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement—which aim to minimize the use of animals and reduce harm in scientific research:
Replacement: Use non-sentient materials instead of living animals.
Reduction: Minimize the number of animals used in research.
Refinement: Modify procedures to reduce animal suffering.
What does ASPA require from researchers conducting animal experiments?
Under ASPA, researchers must:
Obtain a personal license for conducting experiments.
Obtain a project license for specific research programs.
Ensure that the research facility has a certificate of designation, which includes:
A certificate holder.
A veterinary surgeon.
An animal welfare and care officer.
Who are William Russell and Rex Burch, and what did they contribute to animal research ethics?
William Russell and Rex Burch, in 1959, introduced the Three Rs to improve the ethical conduct of animal research:
Replacement: Substituting higher animals with non-sentient alternatives.
Reduction: Reducing the number of animals used in experiments.
Refinement: Minimizing the suffering of animals still used in experiments.
What is the definition of Refinement in animal research ethics?
Refinement initially referred to minimizing pain and distress during animal procedures. Over time, it has expanded to include reducing discomfort and optimizing animal well-being, striving for the best possible living conditions for animals used in research.
What is required for a project license under ASPA?
A project license under ASPA must include a requirement that:
Research procedures involving animals should only be conducted if no scientifically satisfactory alternatives are available.
If an alternative method exists that does not involve animals, it must be used instead of a protected animal.
What are some alternatives to nonhuman animal research?
Micro-dosing: Administering extremely small doses of substances to study pharmacological effects without causing harm.
Observational studies: Research involving non-invasive monitoring of animals or cells.
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs): Using human subjects or models instead of animals.
In vitro testing: Using human cells, tissues, or genes to simulate biological reactions.
In silico testing: Using computer models to simulate biological processes and predict outcomes.
What is the role of the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body (AWERB)?
The AWERB is responsible for reviewing research proposals involving animals before they are approved by the Home Office. It ensures that research adheres to ethical standards, focusing on minimizing harm and maximizing the benefits of animal research. All establishments involved in animal research must have an AWERB.
What are the moral issues associated with biomedical research using nonhuman animals?
The ethical justification of using sentient beings for experiments that could cause harm or death.
Balancing the benefits of scientific progress (e.g., medical breakthroughs) against the harms to animals.
The need to assess whether research can be conducted through less harmful alternatives.
What is the purpose of biomedical research?
focuses on studying the causes of health and illness in biological organisms. Its purpose is to improve medical knowledge, develop treatments, and advance public health. However, the ethical challenge arises from using living organisms, especially nonhuman animals, in research to achieve these goals.
What are some ethical issues related to the involvement of others in biomedical research?
Ensuring that interventions in research are beneficial and welcomed by participants.
Ensuring that research is conducted with a focus on maximizing benefits and minimizing harm.
Respecting autonomy by ensuring that participants give voluntary, informed consent.
