Animal rights or human rights?

The development of medicine in the European Union may be under threatThe EU is preparing to tighten the rules for conducting experiments on animals
Victoria Lisitsina, GZT.RU 

Now, when scientists around the world are approaching the solution of many problems that threaten human health, have invented new drugs that have saved the lives of millions of people, they are faced with a new threat. The process of finding new drugs for the treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease may stop if the European Union (EU) tightens the rules for conducting experiments on animals in scientific laboratories.

Serious medical research is under threat, if not complete cancellation, then suspension, if the EU implements its intentions. Experts warn that stricter rules on conducting experiments may affect the development of medical sciences in Europe and lead to a real stagnation in research.

According to the Guardian, experiments on monkeys will be subjected to one of the strictest prohibitions. If the EU really accepts such a document, scientists will face a real blow: monkeys are indispensable in experiments to find drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (for example, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases).

Nine research organizations, including the Welcome Trust, the Research Council and the Association of Medical Research Charities, have sent a protest petition to the EU. Leading scientists see nothing but problems in the EU initiatives. They warn about the possible termination of many important studies, about the rising cost of experiments and bureaucratic formalities.

"Of course, this document will be sent to protect animals, but many scientific laboratories may suffer. Of course, we are worried about the fate of animals, but at the same time we want to find new medicines to save people," said Sir Mark Walport, head of the Welcome Trust.

If the new document is adopted, scientists will be banned from conducting serious experiments on primates, for example, to study their brain activity or immune system. The use of monkeys will be allowed only if scientists want to trace the manner of their behavior and adaptability to certain conditions. For 6 years now, experiments on large primates, such as gorillas, orangutans and chimpanzees, have been completely banned in Europe.

Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru30.03.2009