My own field, the prevention of genetic disorders in babies, has been possible only because of humane work on animals.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I think genetic research is a fascinating and fertile area.
Scientists should not do animal testing if there is any alternative, but subject to that, I would support it on grounds of the medical benefits.
It is an incontrovertible fact that if we want to make progress in basic areas of medicine and biology, we are going to have to use animals.
If people think that you're throwing babies out, dissecting children, to do stem-cell research, I'm not for that.
Right now people are interested in genetic engineering to help the human race. That's a noble cause, and that's where we should be heading. But once we get past that - once we understand what genetic diseases we can deal with - when we start thinking about the future, there's an opportunity to create some new life-forms.
I've been active in animal rights and all kinds of environmental stuff and children's charities over the years.
Right now I belong to the wonderful organization called The Children's Action Network. The first thing we did was immunize 200,000 children across the country against childhood diseases.
I want to cure many diseases and save children's lives.
A good way to take a baby step into the world of animal rights is to make a list of small things you can do to help your issue and work your way up to the big things. Make a promise to do one thing on your list each month.
I align myself with almost all researchers in assuming that anything we do is a composite of whatever genetic limitations were given to us by our parents and whatever kinds of environmental opportunities are available.