Target: Danny Jacobs, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, President, Oregon Health & Science University
Goal: Immediately abandon the cruel practice of using live pigs to study and teach gynecology.
The use of live animals in conducting scientific research has long been wrought with deep ethical concern. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is the latest in a long list of institutions facing criticism for pushing these boundaries. Public records have revealed that OHSU, located in Portland, utilizes live pigs to train gynecologists in their OB/GYN residency program. Between 2019 and 2021 alone, nearly 50 live female pigs were subjected to the dissection of their reproductive organs and other inhumane and invasive surgeries. Like most research animals, they are subsequently euthanized.
First, it is important to recognize the inherent suffering and harm inflicted upon these sentient beings. Pigs are highly intelligent and social animals. Subjecting them to invasive procedures for the purpose of studying gynecology is a violation of their rights and an unnecessary form of animal cruelty. A compelling argument against the practices at OHSU could be made on these grounds alone.
Secondly, from a scientific standpoint, the use of live pigs is far from the most effective or reliable method for studying gynecology. The reproductive system of pigs has anatomical and physiological differences when compared to human beings. While they share some similarities, the divergences can impact the validity and applicability of research findings. To enhance the relevance of gynecological research, it would be more appropriate to invest in alternative methods such as computer simulations, in vitro models, or human-based clinical studies.
The use of live pigs in gynecological research is ethically problematic due to the inherent harm caused to the animals and the lack of scientific validity in extrapolating findings to human patients. By exploring alternative methods that focus on human-based research models, OHSU can advance our understanding of gynecology in a more humane, accurate, and relevant manner. This approach not only respects animal rights but also enhances the quality of research, ultimately to the benefit of reproductive care and women’s health.
Sign the petition below to call for an end to using pigs in research.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Jacobs,
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen regarding the use of live pigs to teach gynecology within the OB/GYN residency program at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU). I kindly request your attention to this matter and urge the university to cease using live pigs for educational purposes.
While I understand the importance of providing comprehensive and hands-on training to future gynecologists, I believe it is crucial to align these educational practices with modern ethical standards. The use of live animals, particularly pigs, raises significant ethical and moral concerns, as these are sentient beings that experience a pain response similar to humans.
As an institution renowned for its commitment to excellence in medical education and research, OHSU has an opportunity to adopt alternative, humane methods for gynecology training. Numerous medical schools and institutions across the country have already transitioned to utilizing advanced medical simulators, virtual reality technology, and other non-animal models. These alternatives not only provide a more accurate representation of human anatomy but also promote ethical and compassionate medical education.
Pigs do not need to suffer in order to train our nation’s future medical professionals. I urge OHSU to immediately abandon the cruel and inhumane practice of using live pigs in the study of gynecology.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Marie Anna Lee
This is where female animal abusers would come in handy…..dissect THEIR reproductive organs instead. This would not only give them a taste of what they inflicted on helpless animals, but would also ensure they didn’t breed would-be evil monsters like themselves.