Zebedee calls PCRM a ’curiously named antivivisection group‘.  Having had a look at their website, I’d go so far as to say that their moniker is deliberately deceptive.

PCRM stands for Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  This surely means that some sort of medical qualification and practice is a requirement for membership?  And since they have four levels of membership (Basic, Patron, Leadership Circle Society and President’s Circle Society) this would naturally reflect the seniority and standing of each member?  ie a neurosurgical consultant would achieve President’s Circle Society Membership status in recognition of their achievements and respect from their peers.

Apparently such suppositions are entirely wrong.  To apply for membership, all you need to do is send in a donation - and, you’ve guessed it, the bigger the donation, the higher level of membership you attain.  For the curious amongst you, Basic Membership is a mere $20, but if you want to hang with the ‘President’s Circle’ your pockets will be a staggering $2,000 lighter!  See their website for full details - and whilst you’re there take note that nowhere does it ask for your affiliation, medical qualification, or experience of medical practice - there is no requirement for you to be a physician to join PCRM.

This beggars the question, how many PCRM members are genuine physicians?  Less than 5% according to ActivistCash.com; and even that is ‘open to question’.

And on a final note, ‘committee’ implies an (s)elected representative of a group not a paid membership.  I can hazard a guess as to how the majority of physicians in the US would feel at the thought of being represented by PCRM!  And it turns out that I’d be right - the American Medical Association which does represent the US medical profession condemns PCRM and its bogus claims about the scientific validity of animal research.