NIAID Spent $477,121 to Study Transgender Monkeys

Monkey Business at Health & Human Services

In a move that has left taxpayers scratching their heads—and perhaps clutching their wallets—the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) allocated $477,121 to a study involving transgender monkeys. Yes, you read that correctly. The study aimed to investigate HIV transmission rates by administering feminizing hormone therapy to male rhesus macaques. The goal? To better understand HIV susceptibility in transgender women. However, considering that monkeys can't contract HIV, one might wonder if this research was more bananas than groundbreaking.

The Spending Breakdown

While the exact figure of $477,121 has been widely reported, it's essential to note that this amount is part of a broader pattern of spending on similar studies. For instance, the White Coat Waste Project revealed that over $10 million in taxpayer funds have been used for creating transgender mice, rats, and monkeys. These experiments often involve invasive surgeries and hormone therapies at various universities across the country. In one example, $2.5 million was spent to study the fertility of transgender mice, and another $1.1 million to investigate if female rats receiving testosterone therapies were more likely to overdose on certain drugs.

Why It Matters

The intention behind such studies is to gain insights into HIV transmission among transgender women. However, the methodology raises significant concerns. Monkeys, for instance, cannot contract HIV, making them questionable subjects for this line of research. As PETA points out, "It's just bad science to suggest that dosing monkeys with feminizing medication makes them good stand-ins for humans." Moreover, the ethical implications of subjecting animals to invasive procedures and hormone treatments are troubling. The distress and potential harm inflicted on these animals have sparked outrage among both taxpayers and animal rights advocates.

The Cost of Monkeying Around

Beyond the immediate price tag of this study, there's a broader conversation about the allocation of taxpayer dollars. With over $10 million spent on similar experiments, one must consider what else could have been achieved with these funds. For example: Public Health Initiatives: Investing in community-based HIV prevention and education programs that directly impact at-risk populations. Medical Research: Funding clinical studies with willing human participants to obtain data more directly applicable to human health. Infrastructure: Addressing pressing societal needs such as improving public transportation or repairing aging infrastructure.

A Taxpayer's Lament

While scientific research is vital, it's crucial to ensure that funding is directed toward studies with clear, applicable benefits. Experiments that neither advance human health nor respect animal welfare not only waste money but also erode public trust in scientific institutions. As stewards of public funds, agencies like NIAID must prioritize research that offers tangible benefits without resorting to questionable ethics or dubious scientific merit. In conclusion, while the idea of transgender monkeys might sound like the setup to a joke, the punchline here is a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible and ethical allocation of research funds. Let's hope future studies are more about advancing science and less about monkeying around.

Year Reported: 2024
Total Amount Wasted: $477,121.00
Department: Department of Health and Human Services
Source: https://nypost.com/2024/12/24/us-news/cocaine-for-moody-rats-and-climate-focused-drag-show-on-ice-top-rand-pauls-annual-festivus-list-of-outrageous-government-waste/