The most important advances in medicine have been possible thanks to animal testing. Researchers have been able to save lives and improve the life expectancy of many that were previously not thought possible. What some seem not to understand is the fact that without animal-based research the well-being of the world would be at risk, not only for humans but also for animals. However, laboratory animals must be treated with care and respect. The number of animals should be kept to a minimum and used as a last resort if no other alternative methods are possible. Animal testing is essential to medical advances and, through the use of government regulations, alternative methods, and humane treatments for animals, represents the most civilized way to improve the quality of life for many. Many people who oppose animal testing argue that animals are forced to suffer because of the selfishness of humans. These people seem to have forgotten the fact that “virtually all biomedical research with laboratory animals advances veterinary medicine as well as human medicine and helps animals live longer, happier, healthier lives” (“Using Animals” 5). Not only would people suffer from the ban on animal research, but also the animals themselves, since they can contract diseases just like humans. For example, “There is clear evidence that without animal research and without modern medicines resulting from such research, the overall suffering from disease in the world would be greater, not less” (Luedke 1). Protesters who oppose animal testing would say we need to end the suffering of these animals when in reality if we stopped experimenting on animals, more animals would die from diseases that have no cure. “The only way to avoid… ending up in the middle of the paper… is sufficiently regulated.” Animal Experimentation. Ed. Helen Cothran. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from "Ethics of the Use of Animals in Research." Seattle Post-Intelligencer April 20, 2000. Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 8 November 2013. Talking about research. “It is not possible to completely replace animals in medical research.” Animal testing. And . Susan C. Hunnicutt. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. In question by "Alternatives?" Myth about the essential necessity of animals in medical research. Washington, DC: Biomedical Research Foundation, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints in Web Context. November 8. 2013.