What should be the limits on animal research to benefit humans?

Animals have long been used in biomedical and behavioral research for human benefit, but with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, experiments and trials suddenly gained new priority and vaccine-production timelines were shortened. As a result, demand for live mammals—especially ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, primates, pigs and rats—intensified, renewing disagreements about when, why and how animals should be used in science.

Membership brings great benefits

AMA membership offers unique access to savings and resources tailored to enrich the personal and professional lives of physicians, residents and medical students.

Learn More

The September issue of AMA Journal of Ethics^® (@JournalofEthics) investigates the question from clinical, ethical, legal and policy standpoints for the future of human-centered research.

The AMA Journal of Ethics is an editorially independent, peer-reviewed journal devoted to helping students and clinicians navigate ethical decisions in service to patients and communities. The September issue of AMA Journal of Ethics—which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the journal and its predecessors—includes the following articles.

“How Should Clinician-Researchers Model Regard for Nonhuman Animals Bred for and Used in Human-Centered Science?”
1. Ethically justifying human-centered research with only animals as subjects likely requires that the research’s benefits to people must, at least, outweigh harms suffered by the animals.
“With What Should We Replace Nonhuman Animals in Biomedical Research Protocols?”
1. Historically, most discussions about animal experimentation consider what has become known as the “3 R’s”: refinement, reduction and replacement.
“How Should Treatment of Animals Beyond the Lab Factor Into Institutional Review?”
1. People make critical decisions about lab animals outside the laboratory: during breeding, transportation and end-of-study protocols.
“The American Medical Association on the Ethics of Vivisection, 1880–1950.”
1. The AMA was a major player in debates about vivisection in the late 1800s to mid-1950s.

Listen and learn

The journal’s September “Ethics Talk” podcast features a discussion with David DeGrazia, PhD, professor of philosophy at George Washington University, in Washington, DC, about why the 3 R’s of animal research might not be sufficient to promote good science, ethics and animal welfare.

The September issue also features six author-interview podcasts and one editorial-fellow-interview podcast. Listen to previous episodes of the “Ethics Talk” podcast or subscribe in iTunes or other services.

Also, CME modules drawn from this month’s issue are collected at the AMA Ed Hub™ AMA Journal of Ethics webpage.

Win up to $5,000 for your essay, artwork

Submissions for the 2024 Conley Contests are being accepted through Sept. 23.

Those eligible to submit entries are:

U.S. MD and DO students.
Resident physicians or fellows in programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or American Osteopathic Association.
Early career physicians who have completed advanced training within the last five years.

The winning prize for the best essay and artwork, respectively, is up to $5,000.

Learn more about the Ethics Essay Contest and the Art of Medicine Contest.

The next issue of the journal will focus on sleep stewardship. Apply to be an AMA Journal of Ethics editorial fellow or senior editorial fellow and design a theme issue with us.