PETA Urges President-Elect Trump to Cut $23 Billion from NIH Budget
President-elect Donald J. Trump is determined to eliminate government waste, and PETA has a bold suggestion to kick off his efforts. Today, a mobile billboard will be circling near Mar-a-Lago, urging Trump to slash the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, which stands at a staggering $23 billion.
The Facts Unveiled
The NIH allocates nearly half of its budget to experiments on animals, totaling around $23 billion in 2023. Shockingly, 90% of basic research involving animal testing fails to yield effective treatments for humans. Additionally, a staggering 95% of new drugs deemed safe and effective in animals ultimately fail in human trials, often leading to severe side effects or even fatalities.
Questioning Humanity
Experiments on animals not only fall short in advancing human health but also raise ethical concerns. Take, for example, the cruel sensory deprivation studies conducted by Margaret Livingstone or the distressing brain experiments on monkeys by Elisabeth Murray. Despite the significant financial resources poured into these experiments, no breakthrough treatments or cures for humans have emerged.
Taking Action
PETA has taken a stand at the National Institute of Mental Health’s 75th anniversary symposium, demanding an end to taxpayer-funded experiments like those of Elisabeth Murray. Through their Research Modernization Deal, PETA presents a comprehensive strategy to phase out animal testing in biomedical research. The plan emphasizes the adoption of innovative, animal-friendly technologies like organs-on-chips, advanced computer modeling, and in vitro methods utilizing human cells and tissues.
How You Can Help
For U.S. residents, PETA urges you to support the Research Modernization Deal by contacting your representatives. Additionally, regardless of your location, you can join the call to end Livingstone’s disturbing experiments on baby monkeys under the NIH BRAIN Initiative.
Let’s take a step towards a more humane and effective approach to biomedical research. It’s time to prioritize innovation and compassion over outdated and wasteful practices. The power to drive change is in our hands – together, we can shape a brighter future for research and healthcare.