Health or Ideals?

The recent European Union ban on cosmetics manufacturers that test on animals was lauded by vegetarians and vegans the world over. That, and the fact that more cosmetics companies are moving away from animal testing and using animal ingredients in their products is certainly something worth celebrating about.

However, while it's easy to shun manufacturers of topical products who persist on testing on animals and using animal derivatives in their products, vegetarian and vegan consumers are often stonewalled when it comes to pharmaceuticals. How do you say no to medicine that could potentially save your or a loved one's life just because it contains animal ingredients?

It's a tough decision and one that sometimes requires sacrifices, as this article describes.

If you were in his position, what would you do? Would you risk your health for your ideals?