CHALLENGING DISSECTION: Your Right to Choose
Objecting to dissection may be as simple as talking to your science teacher or bringing a note to class from your parents. But when a teacher is unwilling or unable to meet your request for a humane alternative, reusing to dissect can become a test of your persistence, patience and convictions.

1. RECOGNIZE YOUR REASONS
It is important to clearly understand why you don’t want to dissect so you can explain your reasons to parents and teachers in a calm, rational manner, and follow through with your objective strengthened by a clear understanding of your motivation. In most cases, you will need to present clearly defined reasons to support why you don’t want to harm or kill another being.

2. START EARLY
At the beginning of the semester, or before if possible, ask your teacher if dissection is a requirement. If it is required, this is the time to tell your teacher that you do not wish to participate in or observe dissection experiment. Request permission to submit an alternative project (see Step #4). Presenting your request early will avoid last-minute confusion, and the inconvenience and hassle of finding a project on short notice. Also, request a prompt reply so you have ample time to complete your project. If you do not get a timely answer, take your request to your parents, the head of the science department, or the school principal.

3. SAFETY IN NUMBERS
Chance are you’re not alone in refusing to dissect. Share your thoughts about dissection with classmates and organize a group of like-minded students to sign a petition for alternative study. You can also speak to the principal or write an article on dissection for the school newspaper. You may also want to suggest the topic of ethics and dissection for the school debate club or as a program on your school radio station. Bring up the issue of alternatives to dissection during the time set aside for news updates in class or at school assemblies.

4. PRESENT AN ALTERNATIVE PROJECT
Your project should cover equivalent material so that you can successfully complete the same test given to other students. Possible options include: viewing videos, working with interactive CD-ROM programs or plastic models, crafting your own model, illustrating and labeling anatomical charts, writing a paper on the anatomy or physiology of an animal, or chronicling clinical observation of an animal. Many of these items are available through a loan program offered by the Ethical Science Education Coalition. They can be reached at (617) 367-9143. When you introduce your ideas, be sure to ask your teacher for suggestions and feedback. Presenting a spirit of cooperation and respect to your teacher will convey your commitment to finding a study project that meets both the requirements of the school curriculum and your ethical viewpoint.

5. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
Occasionally, a student and a school will not find a mutually acceptable compromise. In this case, legal intervention may be appropriate to ensure your right to science study that coincides with your ethical values. Don’t give up your rights. For information about legal assistance, please call IDA at (415) 388-9641.