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Public opinion
Public opinion in Sweden about animals in research
Seven in ten Swedes indicate that the use of animals in research is acceptable for medical research. Young people are more negative than older people.
The findings indicate that although most people spontaneously think of medical research when they hear the term “animal experiments", many respondents also associate it with makeup and hygiene products. 3 in 10 respondents believe that cosmetics are tested on animals in Sweden, even though this has been banned since 2004.
The Swedish Research Council
, on behalf of the Swedish Government, monitors issues concerning the use of animals in research and also provides information and promotes discourse on research and research ethics. This opinion survey is part of that work.
The survey
shows that 7 in 10 Swedes can accept the use of animals in medical research if its aim is to acquire more knowledge about diseases and how they can be prevented and cured. This ratio is the same as that reported in a 1992 study, when attitudes of Swedes towards laboratory animals were last measured.
The Swedish Research Council monitors animal research issues
The Swedish Research Council
, on behalf of the Swedish Government, monitors issues concerning the use of animals in research and also provides information and promotes discourse on research and research ethics. This opinion survey is part of that work.The Swedish Research Council also has a responsibility to provide information about issues concerning research and research ethics and to promote discourse on the topic.
Text: Cecilia Johansson
About the study
Vetenskap & Allmänhet (Public and Science) has conducted the study on behalf of the Swedish Research Council. The opinion survey describes how the public views the use of laboratory animals, both in general and in relation to medical objectives.
A sample including just over 1 000 individuals representing the national Swedish population aged 16 years and older was surveyed in January 2008. Some of the questions were given only to part of the group.
Responsible for content: Mats Ulfendahl, Secretary General of Medicine and health, Swedish Research Council.
Editor: Anna Sandström, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
Editor: Anna Sandström, Swedish Research Council. Contact: Send email to the editorial staff.
