Mick Hume

About the author: Mick Hume is a columnist for the Times in London.

Using nonhuman primates for research to benefit humans is right and proper and to suggest otherwise is ridiculous. Scientists could not have achieved advancements such as chemotherapy and antibiotics without experimenting on primates. Although there are some genetic similarities between nonhuman primates and humans, nonhuman primates cannot be considered equal to humans, despite the claims of animal experimentation opponents. The work of animal rights groups imperils the construction of new primate research facilities that will benefit humanity.

It is entirely moral, humane and proper to place electrodes in the brains of primates, as part of the search for a cure for such terrible diseases as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. What is really sick is that so many seem...