NASA Principles for the Ethical Care and
Use of Animals
Sundowner Report)
October 1996
Introduction
A strong allegiance to the principles of bioethics is vital to any
discussion of responsible research practices. As reflected in the
considerations of the National Commission for the Protection of Human
Subjects, "scientific research has produced substantial social
benefits. . . (and) some troubling ethical questions" (The Belmont
Report, 1979). The Belmont Report identified the key fundamental
principles underlying the ethical evaluation of research involving
human subjects. Similarly, the principles governing the ethical
evaluation of the use of animals in research must be made equally
explicit.
It is generally agreed that vertebrate animals warrant moral
concern. The following principles are offered to guide careful and
considered discussion of the ethical challenges that arise in the
course of animal research, a process that must balance risks, burdens
and benefits. NASA will abide by these principles as well as all
applicable laws and policies that govern the ethical use of animals
(see list at end). It is recognized that awareness of these
principles will not prevent conflicts. Rather, these principles are
meant to provide a framework within which challenges and conflicts
can be rationally addressed.
Basic Principles
The use of animals in research involves responsibility -- not only
for the stewardship of the animals but to the scientific community
and society as well. Stewardship is a universal responsibility that
goes beyond the immediate research needs to include acquisition, care
and disposition of the animals, while responsibility to the
scientific community and society requires an appropriate
understanding of and sensitivity to scientific needs and community
attitudes toward the use of animals.
Among the basic principles generally accepted in our culture,
three are particularly relevant to the ethics of research using
animals; respect for life, societal benefit and nonmaleficence.
1. Respect for Life
Living creatures deserve respect. This principle requires that
animals used in research should be of an appropriate species and
health status and should involve the minimum number required to
obtain valid scientific results. It also recognizes that the use of
different species may raise different ethical concerns. Selection of
appropriate species should consider cognitive capacity and other
morally relevant factors. Additionally, methods such as mathematical
models, computer simulation, and in vitro systems should be
considered and used whenever possible.
2. Societal Benefit
The advancement of biological knowledge and improvements in the
protection of the health and well being of both humans and other
animals provide strong justification for biomedical and behavioral
research. This principle entails that where animals are used, the
assessment of the overall ethical value of such use should include
consideration of the full range of potential societal goods, the
populations affected, and the burdens that are expected to be borne
by the subjects of the research.
3. Nonmaleficence
Vertebrate animals are sentient. This principle entails that the
minimization of distress, pain and suffering is a moral imperative.
Unless the contrary is established, investigators should consider
that procedures that cause pain or distress in humans may cause pain
or distress in other sentient animals.
Cited Documents
1. Belmont Report, 1979
2. Animal Welfare Act (Public Law 89-544 as amended)
3. U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of
Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research and Training, Developed
by IRAC and endorsed by the Public Health Service Policy on the
Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1985
4. International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving
Animals, Developed by the Council for International Organizations of
Medical Sciences, Switzerland, 1985
5. Public Health Service Act (Public Law 99-158, 1985)
6. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996
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