What the problem is

In 2007 the UK Government sold public land situated behind the British Library in Somers Town, Camden, London, UK - to a consortium made up of the Medical Research Council, University College London, Cancer Research UK and the Wellcome Trust, for them to build a potentially high risk UK centre for medical research and innovation. Many local residents had hoped the land would be used to build new affordable housing and facilities for the community.

Residents across the borough are horrified by such a dangerous, largely secretive establishment being build, and are fiercely opposing the development.

The development has also caused outrage from residents across the London Boroughs as well as nation wide, who object strongly to the cruel and outdated use of animals in medical/scientific experimentation.

Thursday, 1 May 2008

MEDICAL RESEARCH IN THE 21st CENTURY


The debate surrounding the ethics of medical research is an emotive one.

We have all used medicines and products that claim (and many do) to help with this ailment or that medical condition, or vanity products such as hair colourants or aftershave. All have firstly been tested on animals, who are breed for a life of cruel and amoral suffering. The life's these poor souls lead is of constant pain, suffering and degradation - because they are viewed by many in society as a commodity to be used for the benefit of humans.

As someone who is against animal experimentation because of the above reasons, morals do have to come into the equation - and it is morals and ethics that is missing within the medical research and pharmaceutical industry. The UK government does not help matters by continuing to ignore the issue.
Many medical professionals, politicians and layperson alike argue against the use of animals in product testing and science. Alternatives models of testing are not being explored by the UK government the medical research industry despite the wealth of research and information done by modern medical professionals and animal rights campaigners.
Medical research and science innovation is a global industry and like all other profit making industries, will deceive the public and play on the emotions of humans who are suffering with various illnesses and conditions - we can save you - we can eradicate your pain - we can make you young again - make you beautiful - but we must experiment on defenceless animals to do so - the choice is yours!. Put this way it makes it very difficult for all peoples to oppose medical research that is less then ethical.

Medical and scientific research in the UK is lagging behind other industries in decreasing and eventually stopping animal testing on its 'products' - many big name corporations such as Marks and Spencer, the Co-operative and Superdrug (to name a few) produce own brands that have not been tested on animals, and other brand names have already taken on the challenge of reducing and eventually ceasing to sell products tested on animals.

Its now time for medical and scientific researchers and government to do likewise and take on the challenge.