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How do we determine the value of a life? - Rebecca L. Walker

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To protect against a possible resurgence of smallpox, the US government is funding research to improve treatments and vaccines. And since it’s unethical to expose people to a highly lethal virus, labs are using monkeys as research subjects. But is it right to harm these animals to protect humanity from a potential threat? Rebecca L. Walker takes a look at this classic ethical dilemma.

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Medical interventions developed for one purpose can sometimes be used for another purpose. For example, some vaccines and medications developed to combat a bioterror risk posed by smallpox are now being used in the monkeypox public health emergency. How, if at all, do these kinds of considerations change your opinion about the use of primates for smallpox research?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Rebecca L. Walker
  • Director Sharon Colman
  • Narrator Alexandra Panzer
  • Animator Sharon Colman
  • Composer Miguel d'Oliveira
  • Sound Designer Miguel d'Oliveira
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Producer Anna Bechtol
  • Associate Producer Abdallah Ewis
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Editorial Producer Dan Kwartler
  • Fact-Checker Charles Wallace

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