Honors Biology Name:

Animal Use Case Study

George is a seventeen-year-old high school student who has contracted a mild, but
painful, eye infection. His doctor prescribed a medication which would relieve the
symptoms and combat the infection. If left untreated, this type of infection usually clears
up spontaneously within two weeks. George has found that his infection can lead to
blindness if the infection leads to further complication. George is responsible for driving
himself and his younger sister to school and other activities each day.

George has been concerned about the unnecessary use of animals in product
testing for several years, and he has learned that the Draize test was used in testing the
safety of this medication. The Draize test involves applying the tested product to the eyes
of rabbits to look for irritation and other side effects. Although there are alternative ways
to test for many such products, the Draize test remains to be the most reliable test for this
particular medication.

1. What are the relevant facts in this case? (list)

2. What are some ethical questions raised by this situation?

3. Who are the stakeholders in this situation? Who will be affected by decisions that
are made?

4. Should George use the medication? Explain using Kidder how and why you
came to your final decision. Be specific in your explanations.