PETA Mourns the Loss of Dr. Susan Love: Trailblazing Scientist, Friend to Animals, and Gay Rights Pioneer

For Immediate Release:
July 7, 2023

Contact:
Tasgola Bruner 202-483-7382

Please see the following statement from PETA Vice President of International Laboratory Methods Shalin Gala on the passing of Dr. Susan Love:

Dr. Susan Love was a true champion of science, an uncommonly compassionate friend of all sentient beings, and a fierce advocate for the advancement of women’s health. She will be greatly missed.

She knew that the best way to improve human health was not through deadly animal experimentation. Her organization, the Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, embraced human-relevant research methods and refused to experiment on animals. “What we learn from animals doesn’t always translate into how cancer develops in women,” she once said. That stance earned the foundation PETA’s 2009 Proggy Award (“Proggy” stands for “progress”) for the Most Innovative Health Charity.

Dr. Love also worked with PETA to develop a public policy adopted this year stating that her foundation does not “fund, conduct, or commission any tests on animals,” solidifying her place on the vanguard of compassionate, cutting-edge science to aid women in their times of need.

She was also a gay rights pioneer. In 1993, she and Dr. Helen Cooksey made history by obtaining approval from the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court for the first joint adoption by a gay couple. At that time, Massachusetts didn’t recognize same-sex marriage. This case was crucial in helping to pave the way for the state to become the first to legalize same-sex marriage a decade later.

We are saddened by Dr. Love’s passing, but we take some comfort in knowing that her scientific vision will continue to stand as an example for future generations to follow.

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