Introduction
A strong allegiance to the principles of bioethics is vital to any
discussion of responsible research practices. As reflected in the
considerations of the National Commission for the Protection of Human
Subjects, "scientific research has produced substantial social benefits
... [and] some troubling ethical questions" (The Belmont Report,1979).
The Belmont Report identified the key fundamental principles underlying
the ethical evaluation of research involving human subjects. Similarly,
the principles governing the ethical evaluation of the use of animals in
research must be made equally explicit.
It is generally agreed that vertebrate animals warrant moral concern. The
following principles are offered to guide careful and considered
discussion of the ethical challenges that arise in the course of animal
research, a process that must balance risks, burdens and benefits. NASA
will abide by these principles as well as all applicable laws and policies
that govern the ethical use of animals (see list at end). It is
recognized that awareness of these principles will not prevent conflicts.
Rather, these principles are meant to provide a framework within which
challenges can be rationally addressed.
Basic Principles
The use of animals in research involves responsibility - not only for the
stewardship of the animals but to the scientific community and society as
well. Stewardship is a universal responsibility that goes beyond the
immediate research needs to include acquisition, care and disposition of
the animals, while responsibility to the scientific community and society
requires an appropriate understanding of, and sensitivity to scientific
needs and community attitudes toward the use of animals.
Among the basic principles generally accepted in our culture, three are particularly relevant to the ethics of research using animals: respect for life, societal benefit, and non-maleficence.
1. Respect for Life
Living creatures deserve respect. This principle requires that animals
used in research should be of an appropriate species and health status,
and should involve the minimum number required to obtain valid scientific
results. It also recognizes that the use of different species may raise
different ethical concerns. Selection of appropriate species should
consider cognitive capacity and other morally relevant factors.
Additionally, methods such as mathematical models, computer simulation,
and in vitro systems should be considered and used whenever possible.
2. Societal Benefit
The advancement of biological knowledge and improvements in the protection of the health and well being of both humans and other animals provide strong justification for biomedical and behavioral research. This principle entails that where animals are u
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ed, the assessment of the overall ethical value of such use should include consideration of the full range of potential societal goods, the populations affected, and the burdens that are expected to be borne by the subjects of the research.
3. Non-maleficence
Vertebrate animals are sentient. This principle entails that the minimization of distress, pain and suffering is a moral imperative. Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider that procedures that cause pain or distress in humans
may cause pain or distress in other sentient animals.
References:
- Belmont Report, 1979
- Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 89-544 as amended)
- U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used In
Testing, Research, and Training, Developed by IRAC and endorsed by the Public Health Service Policy on the Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1985
- International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals, Developed by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences, Switzerland, 1985
- Public Health Service Act (Public Law 99-158,1985)
- Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996
Go to:
Other Federal Animal Care Legislation and Policies
Top of Document
The Animal Welfare Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Agricultural Library
10301 Baltimore Ave.
Beltsville, MD 20705-2351
Phone: (301) 504-6212
FAX: (301) 504-7125
E-mail: awic@nal.usda.gov
Policies and Links
June 1998
This page's URL is http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/legislat/nasa.htm