The president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was quoted saying,“even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it.”
They have also attacked numerous foundations for their support of animal-based research to find cures for AIDS, cancer, and infant mortality.
Organizations like PETA have taken this stance because they believe that animals are of the same importance as humans and deserve equal rights.
In The Bible we are told that humans are of more value than animals and that we are special because we were made in God’s image. Because of this, it would be unethical to forgo animal testing that could potentially impact the research of a deadly disease.
From a Christian perspective it cannot be argued that an animal’s life is more valuable than the development of a vaccine, treatment or cure for a deadly disease like cancer or AIDS.
I lost my Mother to cancer when I was just 29 years old. If animal testing can buy more time with loved ones, diminish suffering, or cure an illness completely, it is morally acceptable.
We have to remember that when Adam and Eve chose to sin, death and disease entered the world. Although animals did nothing wrong, they were unfortunately grouped with man to suffer the consequences of sin.
The use of animals in medical research is troubling but it is a necessity in our fallen world.
Again, it is important that laboratory animals used in medical testing be given the highest level of care, the best possible quality of life, and that their pain and suffering be minimized whenever possible.
Scientific advances have been made in the discovery of testing methods that can replace the use of animals in experiments. These methods should always be used whenever possible to work towards eliminating animal testing.
We must remember that because of God’s love for animals and our responsibility to take care of them, the suffering of animals without a direct benefit to humans is morally wrong.
This is why as Christians we should oppose the practice of animal testing for non-medical research.
