Bioética da experimentação animal: razões para um novo paradigma

Abstract

This text aims to present a bioethical problem regarding experimentation in Brazil. The country adopts two paradigms to regulate the practice of experimentation based on the criterion of species. Experimentation with humans is constitutionally referenced in the fundamental rights and these are inspired by the value of human dignity. The guiding principles of practice are mainly autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence and justice. Experimentation with animals is referenced in the constitutional principle of non-cruelty that is inspired by the value of animal sentience. The guiding principles of practice are replacement, reduction and refinement. One paradigm recognizes the personhood and respects the dignity of the participants. The other recognizes sentience and respects such a condition of the research subjects. The problem with this situation is that personhood does not derive from the species. Thus, this research seeks to present the moral inaccuracy of the coexistence of these species-based standards, and tries to demonstrate that for the sake of justice it is necessary to respect all people in their dignity.