Navigating the Ethical Waters of Non-Vegan Choices
Written on
Chapter 1: A Personal Journey Through Veganism
My online explorations often lead me to curious and sometimes shocking information, particularly when it comes to animal rights. Recently, I stumbled upon an article that left me both disturbed and grateful for my vegan lifestyle. Although the events it described occurred some time ago, they serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some people will go for profit.
The article, titled "Animal Death Toll Ends Cloning Trials," highlights the troubling realities of animal testing. It took a research company an astonishing 13 years to realize the extent of suffering inflicted on cattle, sheep, and goats during their experiments. This revelation left me shaking my head in disbelief.
As I delved deeper, I came across a statement that raised even more questions. The company was experimenting with technology aimed at creating animals capable of producing proteins for pharmaceutical use. One of the stated goals was to develop a meat product containing a drug similar to Herceptin, which is primarily associated with breast cancer treatments. I found myself questioning the implications of such advancements—what would this mean for those who do not have breast cancer or for men in general?
The idea of "pharmaceutical meat" is truly perplexing and troubling.
You might be thinking, “That was a long time ago, and those trials have ceased.” While that may be true for that specific instance, the practice of cloning animals for medical purposes remains alive and well in 2020. Current research aims to produce animals that can generate human antibodies to combat infectious diseases, including various cancers. The ultimate goal? To integrate these "medicines" into the milk produced by these animals.
Imagine this scenario: animals producing medicinal substances in their milk! With developments in this area, alongside efforts to create human-like breast milk in cows, I find myself concerned about the choices consumers will face in supermarkets. Which type of milk should one choose among the diverse dairy offerings?
For me, the answer is clear: I will continue to embrace veganism, sparing myself from the confusion and ethical dilemmas surrounding these products.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you're interested, I offer a monthly newsletter filled with news and insights that I believe are worth sharing. You can sign up here: www.goldcardvegan.com/newsletter/
Section 1.1: The Intersection of Ethics and Biotechnology
In our pursuit of innovation, we often tread a fine line between progress and ethical responsibility. The quest to develop pharmaceutical products from animals raises profound questions about the treatment of living beings.
The first video, "6 Vegans vs 1 Secret Meat Eater | Odd Man Out," explores the challenges and misconceptions surrounding veganism, showcasing various perspectives on ethical eating.
Subsection 1.1.1: Cloning and Its Implications
Research into animal cloning for pharmaceutical purposes continues to raise eyebrows. While some may argue for the benefits of such practices, the ethical concerns cannot be overlooked.
The second video, "What Happens To The Animals I Don't Eat? | An Ethical Dilemma | IIT Madras," delves into the moral complexities of animal consumption, prompting viewers to reflect on their choices.
Section 1.2: The Future of Food Choices
As we advance technologically, the landscape of food production changes dramatically. Consumers will have to navigate an increasingly complex array of options, making informed choices about their dietary habits.