Black, White and Vivisection - A Conversation About Animal Testing — Ricky Gervais & Dr. Ray Greek

On 1 July 2019, actor, comedian and animal welfare advocate Ricky Gervais met with medical doctor, scientist and author Dr. Ray Greek to discuss one of the most controversial issues in modern science: animal testing in medical research.

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Originally intended to be a short promotional interview, the meeting quickly evolved into a much deeper and more thoughtful discussion. As the cameras continued to roll, the conversation developed into an engaging and accessible exploration of the ethical, scientific and medical questions surrounding the use of animals in laboratory experimentation.

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Dr. Ray Greek has spent many years researching and writing about the limitations of animal testing in predicting human responses to drugs and medical treatments. During the discussion, he explains the scientific arguments behind his position, while Ricky Gervais brings a broader public perspective to the ethical concerns surrounding animal experimentation.

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Together, they examine key questions such as:

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• Why animals are still used in medical research

• Whether animal testing is scientifically reliable

• The ethical considerations involved in laboratory experimentation

• Emerging alternatives that may reduce or replace the need for animal testing

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What began as a brief promotional piece ultimately became a compelling and wide-ranging conversation about science, ethics and the future of medical research.

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The result is a rare and candid exchange that invites viewers to consider one of the most complex debates in animal welfare and biomedical science.

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Issue discussed
Animal testing and alternatives to animal experimentation

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Contributors
Ricky Gervais, Dr. Ray Greek

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Topic
Ethics and science of animal testing

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Produced by
Orange Planet Pictures