Published Letter to the editor re March Of Dimes
Journal News, The (Westchester County, NY)
The Journal News
March 27, 2002
Don't contribute to animal experiments
The March of Dimes is beginning its annual WalkAmerica
fund-raising.
Many people think their donations will go to help
babies. Here are documented examples of how your donations are being
spent:
In one of their experiments, kittens' eyes were sewn
shut. They were left in horrifying conditions for a year, then killed,
despite MOD
knowledge that human and nonhuman optical makeup is so
different as to render the findings meaningless.
MOD experimenters kept monkeys in restraints for days
at a time, gave ferrets brain damage, and spent millions of dollars
addicting pregnant rats and newborn opossums to nicotine, cocaine
and alcohol, though years ago it was well-established that these
substances can harm developing babies.
Animal experiments hurt humans as well. Animal tests
have led scientists in the wrong direction, holding back
progress and prolonging human suffering. Animals have different
constitutions than us.
MOD has! taken in almost $1 billion since 1970, yet
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rates
for many birth defects have increased.
Many charities, including Easter Seals and Birth Defect Research for Children put funds into
programs that directly benefit families affected by birth defects,
and to progressive, non-animal research such as human cell and
cultures and complex computer modeling and scanning techniques.
Want healthy babies? Eat whole-grain foods and lots of
fruits and vegetables. Take vitamins. Don't consume alcohol,
drugs, cigarettes or caffeine during pregnancy, all are implicated in
birth defects. If you must contribute to MOD, please earmark your check,
"For non- animal experiments only." Thank you.
Kiley Blackman
Yonkers
The writer is northeast representative of SHARK
(Showing Animals Respect and Kindness
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