S-1989-01-1989_OVE

L’ASSOCIATION MIDICALE MONDIALE, INC LA ASOCIACION MEDICA MUNDIAL INC
P.O. Box: 69
cable Address :
WOMEOAS. FERNEY·VOLTAIRE
·Se pt embe r 1989
Preamble
THE WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
28. AVENUE DES ALPES .• 01210 FERNEY·VOLTAIRE • FRANCE
Telephone: 5040 75 75
Telex : 385755F WMASFVF
Telefax: 5040 5!i1 37
17. t
Original: Englist
WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STATEMENT
on
ANIMAL USE IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Adopted by the
41st World Medical Assembly
Hong Kong, September 1989
Biomedical research is essential to the health and well-being oj
every person in our society. Advances in biomedical research . have
dramatically improved the quality and prolonged the duration of lifE
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dramatically improved the quality and prolonged the duration of lifE
throughout the world. However, the ability of the scientific communit~
to . continue its efforts to improve personal and public health i~
being threatened by a movement to eliminate the use ·of animals Lr
biomedical research. This movement is spearheaded by groups of radicaJ
animal rights activists whose views are far outside mainstream pUblic
attitudes and whose tactics range from sophisticated lobbyinq,_.__ f unc
raising, propaganda · artd m.i.s Lnf ormatLon campaigns to violent
-attack~
on biomedical research facilities and individual scientists.
The magnitude of violent animal rights activities is staggering. II
the United States alone, since 1980, animal rights groups have stagec
more than 29 raids on u.S. research facilities, stealing over 2,OO(
animals, causing more than 7 million dollars in physical damage~
and ruining years of scientific research in the process. Anima]
activist groups have engaged in similar activities in Great Britain,
Western Europe, Canada and Australia. Various groups in these countrie~
have claimed responsibi Iity for the bombing of cars, institutions,
stores, and the private homes of researchers.
Animal rights violence has had a chilling effect on the scientific
community internationally. Scientists, research organizations, anc
universities have been intimidated into altering or even terminatinc;:
important research efforts that depend on the use of animals.
Laboratories have been forced to divert thousands of research dollars
for the purchase of sophisticated security equipment. Young people
who might otherwise pursue a career in biomedical research are turnins
their sights to alternative professions.
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Despite the efforts of many groups striving to protect biomedical
research from animal activism, the response to the animal rights
movement has been fragmented, underfunded, and primarily defensive.
Many groups within the biomedical community are hesitant to take
a public stand about animal activism because of fear of reprisal.
As a result, the research establishment has been backed into a
defensive posture. Its motivations are questioned, and the need for
using animals in research is repeatedly challenged.
While research involving animals is necessary to enhance the medical
care of all persons, we recognize also that humane treatment of
research animals must be ensured. Appropriate training for all research
personnel should be prescribed and adequate veterinary care should
be available. Experiments must comply with any rules or regulations
promulgated to govern human handling, housing, care, treatment and
transportation of animals.
International medical and scientific organizations must develop a
stronger and more cohesive campaign to counter the growing tha’lt
to public health posed by animal activists. Leadership and coordinallbn
must be provided.
The World Medical Association therefore affirms
principles:
the following
1. Animal use in biomedical research is essential for continued
medical progress.
2. The WMA Declaration of Helsinki requires that biomedical research
involving human subjects should be based on animal experimentation,
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involving human subjects should be based on animal experimentation,
but also requires that the welfare of animals used for research
be respected. .
3. Humane treatment of animals used in biomedical research is
essential.
4. All research facilities should be required to comply
guiding principles for humane treatment of animals.
with all
5. Medical Societies should resist any attempt to deny the appropriate
use of animals in biomedical research because such denial would
compromise patient care.
6 . Although rights to
anarchistic element
condemned.
free speech should not be compromised,
among animal right activists should
the
be
7. The use of threats, intimidation, violence, and personal harassment
of scientists and their families should be condemned
internationally.
8. A maximum coordinated effort from international law enforcement
agencies should be sought to protect researchers and research
facilities from activities of a terrorist nature.
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