Human and animal research guidelines: Aligning ethical constructs with new scientific developments
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2011 |
Authors: |
H. Ferdowsian |
Publication/Journal: |
Bioethics |
Keywords: |
animal experiments, animal research, human research, research guidelines |
ISBN: |
0269-9702 (print); 1467-8519 (online) |
Abstract:
Both human research and animal research operate within established standards-
and procedures. Although the human research environment has
been criticized for its sometimes inefficient and imperfect process, reported
abuses of human subjects in research served as the impetus for the
establishment of the Nuremberg Code, Declaration of Helsinki, and the
National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical
and Behavioral Research and the resulting Belmont Report. No similar,
comprehensive and principled effort has addressed the use of animals in
research. Although published policies regarding animal research provide
relevant regulatory guidance, these policies have not emerged from the
process of specifying consistent and reasoned ethical principles. The lack
of a fundamental effort to explore the ethical issues and principles regarding
the use of animals in research has led to unclear and disparate policies.
Recent studies have increased our understanding of animal cognition and
emotion, suggesting that animals’ potential for experiencing a wide variety
of harms, such as pain and fear, is greater than has been previously
appreciated. Furthermore, relationships between methods of captivity and
certain laboratory procedures and the resulting adverse physical, social and
psychological effects have been established. In light of this information,
current protections may need to be reconsidered and modified. This paper
explores the historical convergence and divergence in the creation of
human and animal research guidelines, as well as opportunities to align
ethical frameworks with new scientific discoveries.