If you or someone you loved were dying because research had been delayed because they stopped using animals, how would you feel?

Thought the only question was "on what to test, if animals cannot be used [for ethical reasons e.g.], to find out if it's save for humans?" Sadly our knowledge of the millions of compounds and chemical combinations there-off is still very limited, so there's little to be sure about before clinical trials on humans start. Much as it hurts [who would not want to avoid the already heavily regulated testing on animals], I've not come up with an alternate method that works for all medical research that remotely approaches how the human body would react. Maybe in another 25-50 years, if we're lucky.

edit: See Janie already typed out here position on the matter, while I was 2 fingering the keyboard.

I cannot see how you can link animals with WCG. They carry out no research whatsoever. You should investigate the 'actual' projects and satisfy yourself they are ethical and choose to only run their projects.......

Janie,

Your question is fair and it can be answered for each of the sciences. WCG is a hoster as you know, for instance HPF2 is building a knowledge database on protein folding, not any animal testing involved, all extended theory development. Similarly FCG was about building a gene knowledge database. Also, long running HCC1 [Help Conquer Cancer] is about building a knowledge database on good and bad cells. Maybe these type of researches fit your requirements to allow continuing contributing without inner conflict.

Thanks.

My City...

Wow, that is a stinker of a question, but a very relevant one.

The answer is no, I would be too frightened to give up my meds (some of which I have been taking for over 30 years after a couple of very unpleasant hospitalizations, and they work incredibly well.)

I should say "yes, I'll do that tomorrow", but I won't." I'm just too scared. I'm a very imperfect being.

1) I am vegetarian rather than vegan, although I would have a lot more self respect if I were the latter.
2) I have a cat, who has vehemently refused me efforts to feed her both vegan and vegetarian food. I now feed her meat-based food. Having a cat in my life is intrinsic to my well being. She is far from being a casual pet. So, I continue to keep her and feed her meat.
3) Yes, I take meds that have probably been tested on animals. If I could reverse the fact that animal testing had been used, would I? Yes - I would. Of course the resulting medication might be much inferior, or not there at all, but I would risk that. On the other hand having medication available to me that has been animal tested is currently the only option, and I choose to go with that option. If I were a stronger person I would say "No", and stop. But I don't have that level of courage.

I do however choose to be vegetarian, I support the charity Compassion in World Farming, and I would like to choose if possible to not actively work to support organisations using animals in research.