In the Name of Science : Issues in Responsible Animal Experimentation

Few arguments in biomedical experimentation have stirred such heated debate in recent years as the issue of animal subjects. In this comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the social, political, and ethical conflicts surrounding the use of animals in scientific experiments, F. Barbara Orlans assesses both ends of this sensitive argument's spectrum- unconditional approval or rejection of animal experimentation- as equally implausible. Instead of arguing to either of these points, Orlans thoughtfully explores the ground between the extremes, and convincingly makes the case for public policy reforms that serve to improve the welfare of laboratory animals without jeopardizing scientific endeavour. This book presents controversial issues in an objective manner based on careful historical analysis and original research. The author's findings address such issues as the functioning of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees, editorial policies on animal experimentation by scientific journal editors, policies on the use of animals in education, funding sources for alternatives, and comparisons of animal use policies of various countries. Different mechanisms of oversight for animal experiments are compared and those that have worked well are identified. This compelling work will be of interest to biomedical scientists, ethicists, animal welfare advocates and other readers concerned with this critical issue.