Landmark Legislation – PCRM’s Case for 21st Century Science
June 2016: Congress just revised a 40 year old provision under the Toxic Substances Control Act with the passage of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. The language of the Act clearly states a preference for non-animal testing methods, which marks the first effort establishing a clear priority for the development and use of alternatives to animal testing. This will move a variety of risk assessment tests toward alternatives to outdated methods relying on animals. With millions of annual animal deaths in labs, the long term impact of this effort will likely result in a significant reduction in animal tests.
Though the change does not eliminate animal testing, it requires alternatives are considered and used and places restrictions on animal testing. This important step reflects a complex recognition of the scientific and practical value of non-animal methods, which are largely viewed as equally effective and more cost effective. Through an effort to modernize toxicity testing, the act ensures protection of human health and the environment. Supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders and legislators, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) recognizes the special efforts of Senators Udall, Vitter, Inhofe, and Booker for their dedicated work on this bill.
Once signed into law, this move recognizes 21st century scientific principles, “[weaning] itself off outdated animal testing protocols, which are expensive, slow, and often non-predictive of the human circumstance” (Humane Society). This follows a good deal of international momentum moving away from animal testing, like the 2013 European Union ban on cosmetic animal testing and trade and a similar 2014 measure in India.