Speaks Out

Do you believe it’s ethically sound to genetically
modify animals for research purposes? Hoang
Luu Third-year Cognitive science “If the research
can save human lives, than I think it’s OK to do it. But
I’m kind of against it too, because animals also have rights.
They have the right not to be killed ““ you can’t just
do whatever you want to them, they’re living things just like
we are. But on the other hand, if my mom were dying and an animal
had to be given up in order for her to be saved, I would agree to
go ahead and do it.” Shabnam Peyvandi
Fourth-year Microbiology and molecular genetics “It’s
OK for research purposes, because it’s going to lead to
something positive in the future in terms of cancer therapy and
cures for other diseases. It’s not like they’re doing
the research just because they want to, it’s for a good
cause. People who think this is cruelty to animals are not in the
wrong, but again, you have humans and animals and you’re
trying to do something to better the human race. In the end
there’s a positive outcome, so I think it’s OK.”
Carlos Arreola Fifth-year Mathematics “No,
but it’s still necessary. You can’t cure a disease
unless you have something with the disease, and it’s better
that it’s a rat than a human. It’s still immoral
““ you’re still hurting an animal and doing something
that naturally you shouldn’t be doing. But it’s for the
betterment of mankind.” Iset Vera Third-year
Microbiology and molecular genetics “I’m all for animal
research with certain animals, like rats. But if it’s
research on large animals like dogs or monkeys, then I’m
against it. It’s cruelty to animals ““ you
wouldn’t want to get an animal sick just for our benefit. But
then again, the benefits are great. I’m going into a career
that involves genetic testing on animal, but I won’t think
about it this way, I’ll think about the benefits and not the
animals.” Anna Hui Third-year Biology
“For research purposes, its OK. If its unethical, how are you
going to further treatment for people who actually have diseases? I
guess it’s for the greater good. If the research is needed
and it’s appropriate, I think it’s ethical. It may be
cruel to animals to do this research, but it’s also cruel to
let humans suffer by not doing it.” Brandi
Holley Fourth-year Psychology “I don’t agree
with altering animals’ genetics. It’s messing with
Mother Nature ““ it’s something that you shouldn’t
do period. I think it may be OK for small animals like rats just
because we’ve been testing on them for such a long time, but
once you use other animals like monkeys, it’s inappropriate.
You’re basically trying to play God by changing
animals’ genetics and that can bring up a lot of issues to
deal with.” Speaks Out compiled by Cuauhtemoc Ortega, Daily
Bruin Senior Staff. Photos by Ed Lin, Daily Bruin Senior Staff.