For many decades, evolution in medical research has significantly saved and changed lives of human beings, greatly improving the quality of their life today. Through numerous developments, scientists have shown a high correlation of the principles of anatomy and physiology in both humans and animals. Following such discoveries, the latter have been widely used for research experiments, which are not short of controversies. Debates on the morality of using animals for research have been going on for many years. Regardless of the controversies, animal experiments are still conducted in the twenty-first century. In many accounts, test results have successfully led to the discovery of essential drugs saving lives and improving the quality and value of human health. The impact of animal experiments on changing lives is great, and numerous outcomes of such procedures are beneficial for the survival of mankind today.

 Experimenting on animals refers to the use of non-human beings for scientific research and testing. It is one of the most traditional approaches used by scientists in testing medicines and chemicals. The main purposes of carrying out animal testing are to study human anatomy and evaluate the level of security in safeguarding a life using a particular product. Animal experiments are often carried out by pharmaceutical companies, as well as medical schools and universities, and in most cases, research is primarily based on genetic and behavioural studies.  

 According to historical evidence, the first animal experiment was recorded by the Greeks. They used live animals to conduct medical tests. As a result of many years of experiments, significant strides were made in treating and preventing diseases that had previously led to the death of thousands if not millions of people in the history of mankind.

 There are several reasons for the support of experimenting on animals as a way of establishing new and reliable information fundamental for human survival. Firstly, through animal testing, scientists have achieved commendable breakthroughs in discovering lifesaving drugs useful in combating life-threatening ailments. Scientists have an opportunity to test and create various new drugs that improve the health of millions of people across the globe. The discovery of certain medicines, such as vaccines against polio and hepatitis, and the development of insulin and various antibiotics, have not only reduced the death rate over the years, but also improved the quality of life. As a matter of fact, scientists working with animal models are making important steps in finding cure for such diseases as HIV/Aids, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, which are taking millions of lives each year. Notably, animal testing is not used purely for selfish benefits of human beings as claimed by those against it. These procedures contribute to the treatment of many animal species greatly. For instance, the treatment of rabies has been successful due to testing medicines on animals. It has saved many dogs suffering from the disease. The application of insulin is also effective in relation to many breeds of cats and dogs that also suffer from diabetes.

 Secondly, animal testing has widely promoted the use of technological advances in procedures carried out in the medical field. Organ transplanting in surgeries have become refined thanks to such experiments in order to save lives during treatment. Moreover, medical advancements, such as a sphygmomanometer and pacemaker, have been quite perfected, improving the treatment of heart and lung diseases. Using animals to improve a surgical procedure has not only restored lives of patients, but also proved that there is hope in saving more lives in the future.

 The third and final reason for the support of animal testing is drawn from the fact that human beings depend on the outcomes of it for their own survival. For many critics, it is easy to banish the use of animals for testing when they are in good health. However, when one is ailing or suffering from a disease, the same drugs and scientific discoveries are sought for survival. Animal testing findings impact daily lives whether people like it or not. It ranges from the medicine used for either preventive or curative purposes to products for daily consumption. All these things need to undergo testing.  To a larger extent, it is unreasonable to criticize the use of animals for experiments since they are the only creatures with anatomy similar to human beings. Moreover, there are little functional alternatives to applying medicines to cure diseases. Ultimately, the effectiveness and safety of medicines is tested either through the use of animals or fellow human beings in experiments according to natural laws. However, the latter are more valuable as superior creatures. Needless to say, research animals are specifically generated in laboratories for research purposes, and many procedures are carried out following set rules and regulations. Guidelines ensure that there is no harm to wild animals, and that lab ones are not handled with cruelty during procedures.

 Animal testing is indeed a contentious issue that receives both support and criticism in equal measure. The subject of animal experiments is mostly covered during science classes. Understanding the role of laboratory animal experimentation and its impact on the medical field is important and brings light on controversial scientific medical debates. Animal testing is essential in fighting diseases through the creation of effective drugs and saving the lives of both humans and animals through managing complex medical procedures. Additionally, animal testing is done under legal provisions in many countries, therefore, animal cruelty is limited. Moreover, experimenting on animals is the only viable alternative that scientists can use instead of human beings. Therefore, bashing animal testing as an immoral act can only result in two issues that scientists should either stop researches or use human beings for their procedures: both alternatives would be catastrophic for the human race. Despite massive criticism on the part of animal rights activists who consider animal testing procedures inhumane, the fact remains that animal experiments have saved a lot of lives and increased longevity in human beings as well as animals.

About the author: Eaten Turner is a bachelor in English philology and literature at California University. Eaten is currently working as one of the best writers at the EssaysWriters.com He also studies feminine psychology.