Maryland lawmakers to weigh ban on use of animals in medical research

Maryland legislators are considering a bill that would end the use of medical training on live animals at Johns Hopkins University, one of the few remaining institutions where the practice remains.

The bill, HB 289, would prohibit a medical school from using live or dead animals to teach surgical procedures if an alternative method is in use at another medical school in the state. The legislation would establish $1,000 fine for breaking the rule. The bill was introduced by Montgomery County Del. Shane Robinson and is set for a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations committee Thursday.

The proposed legislation would apply to all three of the state’s medical schools, but would primarily affect Hopkins.

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