Jainism’s philosophy of non-violence creates ethical issues with regard to
pharmaceuticals such as insulin—particularly older versions that were produced from
animals. Although current recombinant insulin is now produced from genetically
engineered yeast or E. coli, there are still issues. Most Jains will avoid animal-
derived pharmaceuticals altogether, using plant-derived or vegan products instead.
These include not just animal-free insulin but also drugs that are not tested on
animals.
These issues are not unique to Jainism. Among vegetarians and vegans of multiple
religions, the ethical permissibility of employing insulin made from animals—or
created through the utilization of animal cell lines—is often contested. While insulin is
still crucial to treating diabetes, religiously and ethically driven adherents of various
faiths are often hard-pressed to reconcile its medical importance with their spiritual or
moral principles. Jainism is perhaps one illustration, but this struggle is pervasive in
many religious groups.
A qualitative research entitled “The Role of Religion, Spirituality, and Fasting in Coping with Diabetes among Indian Australians” examined how religious beliefs
affect attitudes toward medication and fasting. Indian migrants with diabetes held
conflicting opinions regarding the use of animal-derived insulin and other
medications. While some put health above dietary restrictions, others avoided
medicines containing pork, beef, or any animal-derived ingredient on religious
grounds.
Attitudes toward fasting were also diverse. Muslim participants, for instance,
managed to fast during Ramadan by adjusting their medication schedule and often
reported no adverse effects. Others, however, avoided fasting entirely, believing it
interfered with diabetes management, which requires regular meals. Some
individuals also admitted to fasting due to social pressure rather than genuine
religious conviction, revealing a complex interplay between faith, health, and
community expectations. In some instances, misconceptions or incomplete
understanding of religious doctrine affected insulin use and fasting decisions.
Participants of all faiths also spoke highly of the beneficial influence of religious
practices on diabetes care. Many attributed their vegetarian eating
habits—underpinned by religious principles—as useful in blood sugar control.
Practices such as yoga and meditation, consistent with Hindu thought, were also
presented as mechanisms for promoting self-knowledge, stress management, and
overall wellbeing.
The theory of Health Locus of Control (HLC) is key to understanding these
dynamics. HLC is an individual’s perception of who or what is in charge of their
health outcomes. Both internal HLC—personal responsibility—and external
HLC—spiritual leaders or divine will—are important in decision-making around
health. This implies that healthcare providers need to work with religious leaders to
dispel myths and promote medication compliance.
A paper entitled \”Animal-derived Medications: Cultural Considerations and Available Alternatives\” analyzed the ways in which religious and cultural beliefs
influence the acceptability of drugs. The review revealed that most patients,
particularly those with strong religious backgrounds, prefer to be notified about
animal-derived compounds in drugs and frequently choose alternatives, even at an
additional expense. Most physicians were not aware of these ingredients and did not
usually reveal them. Though religious leaders ordinarily allowed for exceptions
during emergencies, their interpretations diverged. The results emphasize the
necessity of physician sensitization, better labeling of ingredients, and inclusion of
spiritual history in patient treatment to promote culturally appropriate medical
practices.
Common Alternatives for the same include: Recombinant (man-made) insulins,
Vegetable-based capsules (e.g., hypromellose) and Animal-free injectables such as
fondaparinux.
Religious beliefs remain extremely influential in how individuals view and accept
insulin therapy—particularly its origin. Although recombinant insulin has countered
much of the ethical opposition, continuous communication between healthcare
providers and patients is essential. To be respectful of religious viewpoints within
medicine involves more than familiarity—it involves cultural humility rather than
mere cultural competence. This strategy advocates for more inclusive and
compassionate care through plant-based medication options, veganism, spiritual
practices, and open dialogue around religion in medicine.
Source: https://publications.aston.ac.uk/id/eprint/43238/1/Religion_and_Health_Final_Paper.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349864713_Animal- derived_medications_Cultural_considerations_and_available_alternatives
