I agree with Karen. If the testing can cure diseases like that, test away. My father has ALS and it is incredibly difficult to watch what it does to him. He's in the hospital right now after his tracheotomy. Life is difficult for him and for my family, and a cure would mean so much to us! I also do not agree on cosmetic testing on animals, or with using genetic testing to make people look a certain way... but testing for cures of diseases is okay with me! I agree, this is a contrversial subject. Last year with my biology class we went to a 6-hour conference on genetic testing (I must admit I almost fell asleep for most of it - I mean, 6 hours of gene talk? No thanks....) but some parts were interesting and they gave me hope. Scientists really are closer to cures for a lot of diseases, and the things they can do now are amazing. After the conference we had a debate in class and everyone's different opinions were very interesting. It's a great debate topic. Anyway, if we can test only to fix the big problems in the world, I don't think it will do too much harm. Carrie, I see your point of view too and sometimes I think the tests scientists do on animals are useless, just to see what would happen. But tests that can help humans with the diseases they suffer from really can help, and I say go for it!

[This message has been edited by Daisy's Mom (edited January 14, 2001).]