Animal testing saved my son's life
By Ray Cope
The Daily Utah Chronicle - Opinion
Issue: 10/13/04

Editor:

I always read with interest the articles about animal research and the controversy it creates on campus.

Animal-rights activists should not be allowed to dictate the morals of the U. I respect their rights to assemble and protest. I admire their conviction and dedication. While activists are free to protest and try to change the law, researchers are free to pursue science in accordance with the law. There is a middle ground that must respect both sides.

I fully support the researchers on campus and applaud their dedication to pursuing knowledge in the face of manifest ignorance.

My son's life was saved by an operation when he was a week old. He had thoracic surgery to repair a narrowing of his aorta.

This common procedure of opening the chest killed more than 95 of the first 100 patients it was performed upon. At the time of the operation on the fourth group of 100 patients, more than 95 lived. The first 400 patients were dogs.

My son lives today because 400 dogs died in the 1920s to further medical knowledge. My son's life is worth 400 dogs.

Knowledge is always expensive. We live in a society that accepts that, and here at the U we pay the price for knowledge. I hope it will always remain this way.

Ray Cope

Staff, Office of

Information Technology