Comedian Joins PETA in Urging University to End Archaic Training Procedures
For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2011
Contact:
Robbyn Brooks 202-483-7382
Ann Arbor, Mich. -- Michigan native Lily Tomlin has just sent a letter on PETA's behalf to the University of Michigan (U-M) urging the school to immediately stop abusing and killing cats and pigs in its Survival Flight course for nurses and switch to the sophisticated simulators that are already in use in other advanced U-M training courses.
"Over the years I have been involved in many social justice causes, and it has been inspiring to see that students, medical experts, celebrities, and alumni have been vocal in their opposition to this archaic and cruel practice at the University of Michigan," writes Tomlin. "I would like to add my name and my voice to those urging the University of Michigan's Survival Flight program to eliminate the use of animals."
In the course, trainees repeatedly force hard plastic tubes down cats' delicate windpipes—an invasive procedure that can cause internal bleeding, swelling, and death. Trainees also stab needles into pigs' bones and hearts and cut holes into pigs' throats, chests, and limbs. The use of humanlike simulators to teach these skills has been shown to better prepare trainees to treat sick and injured children and adults. The Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association, a national organization representing flight nurses, endorses the use of simulators to replace animals and has confirmed that the overwhelming majority of facilities offering this training use only non-animal methods.
PETA, U-M alum Iggy Pop, the U-M student organization Michigan Animal Rights Society, the U-M Student Assembly, and the U-M student newspaper have all spoken out against the inhumane and archaic procedures.
Lily Tomlin's full letter to U-M President Mary Sue Coleman follows. For more information, please visit PETA.org.
Dr. Mary Sue Coleman, President
Dear Dr. Coleman,
As a Michigan native, I was disappointed to learn from my friends at PETA that the University of Michigan is allowing cats and pigs to be tormented and killed in its Survival Flight course, even though the use of humanlike simulators—which are readily available at the school—is the preferred standard for this training across the country and better prepares medical providers to treat adults and children in life and death situations.
Over the years I have been involved in many social justice causes, and it has been inspiring to see that students, medical experts, celebrities, and alumni have been vocal in their opposition to this archaic and cruel practice at the University of Michigan.
Having trainees jam hard tubes down cats' throats, cut holes into pigs' throats and chests, and stab needles into the animals' bones and the tissue surrounding their hearts is simply unjustifiable when modern and superior alternatives are available.
I would like to add my name and my voice to those urging the University of Michigan's Survival Flight program to eliminate the use of animals.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Lily Tomlin