Table 4 Responses to general questions about support for animal research
From: The ethics of animal research: a survey of the public and scientists in North America
Question | Group | Yes | No | I have never thought about whether AR should be supported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
In order to achieve human benefits, research that results in harm to animals (such as pain, suffering and early death) should be supported.a | Public | 569/1303 (44 %) | 550/1303 (42 %) | 184/1303 (14 %) |
Medical School | 168/209 (80 %) | 23/209 (11 %) | 18/209 (9 %) | |
Considering all the arguments and responses in this survey, we want to ask you again.a,b | Public | 502/1213 (41 %) | 711/1213 (60 %) | - |
Medical School | 128/161 (80 %) | 33/161 (20 %) | - | |
Of those who originally said “yes” or “have never thought about whether to support AR”. | Public | - | 229/692 (33 %) | - |
Medical School | - | 22/148 (15 %) | - | |
What is it about vulnerable humans (for example babies, severely brain damaged people, people with very advanced Alzheimers) that makes it wrong to use them in experiments?a | These vulnerable humans are able to experience things like pleasure, joy, happiness, sadness, pain, and suffering | These humans are vulnerable to physical and psychological harm; using them in experiments is harmful for them | We care about them | They are still human |
Public | 268/1188 (23 %) | 208/1188 (18 %) | 125/1188 (11 %) | 587/1188 (49 %) |
Medical School | 18/161 (11 %) | 33/161 (20 %) | 14/161 (9 %) | 96/161 (60 %) |