djurförsök

Djurförsök, known in English as animal testing or animal experimentation, refers to the use of non-human animals in scientific research. This practice is employed across various fields, including medicine, biology, and toxicology, with the aim of understanding biological processes, developing new treatments for diseases, and assessing the safety of products. The animals most commonly used include rodents like mice and rats, but also extend to other species such as rabbits, dogs, cats, and primates.

The ethical considerations surrounding djurförsök are significant and widely debated. Proponents argue that animal models are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and improving human and animal health, asserting that many medical breakthroughs would not have been possible without them. They often point to the physiological similarities between humans and certain animals as justification for their use.

Conversely, critics raise concerns about animal welfare, suffering, and the validity of extrapolating results from animals to humans. They advocate for the development and implementation of alternative research methods, such as in vitro studies, computer simulations, and human cell cultures, which are often referred to as the "3Rs" principle: Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. Many countries have regulations and ethical review boards in place to govern and oversee djurförsök, aiming to minimize animal suffering and ensure that experiments are scientifically justified and ethically sound.