For science's sake

ARE science and religion at loggerheads?
It seems they are, at least in this case. A
professor of bio-ethics and veterinary
science at the Birmingham University,
David Morton, recently defended his
controversial statement that persons in
a persistent vegetative state ("s), could
replace animals in scientific experiments. Speaking at the Edinburgh
International Science Festival, Morton
justified his stand by arguing that
many people are already leaving their
bodies for medical research" and that
"these people could give far more accurate information in experiments than
chimpanzees". According to Morton,
there was a debate as to whether Pits
patients were people at all. Being
people suffering from permanent
and irreversible damages, they
would make ideal candidates for
experiments, once doctors withdrew
food and water from them. Morton,
also adds that his suggestion is more a
reflection on what - according to him
- may be a practical outcome in times
to come.

Logical as it may sound, his
statement has invited flak from
religious leaders and relatives of PVS
patients.