The Ethics of Xenotransplantation

The Ethics of Xenotransplantation

1. Introduction to Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation is the process of taking cells, parts of organs, or even whole organs from one species of animal, and implanting them into another species. The FDA has given their own definition of xenotransplantation which they say is “any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation, or infusion into a human recipient of either live cells, tissues, or organs from a non human animal source, or human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have had ex vivo contact with live non human animal cells, tissues or organs.” The main interest of the practice is to be able to take organs from animals for the purpose of using them in humans in need of organ transplants. It is still a relatively new medical phenomena, with documented cases of the practice only taking place since 1906.

2. The Case

The case at hand is whether or not we should use xenotransplantation in humans. It is a rather controversial topic that has brought up strong feelings in parties on both sides of the argument. One of the main arguments of the people who are for xenotransplantation is that there is a large shortage of organs available for transplant, and that animal organs could provide enough spares to satiate the need. A recent figure given by the FDA is that currently 13 people die per day in the U.S. because of the lack of organs available for transplant. Meanwhile, one of the arguments of those people against xenotransplantation stems from animal rights. Some people feel that it is wrong to use animals in such a way and that there is a great potential for animal abuse.

A marker to the seriousness of the current need for donor organs is that ac...

... middle of paper ...

...an. 1998. <http://wedge.nando.net/newsroom/ntn/health/012198/health5_26375_noframes.html>

3. United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). "U.S. Facts about Transplantation." Nov. 2000. <http://www.unos.org/Newsroom/critdata_main.htm>

4. Koshal, Arvind. "Ethics Issues in Xenotransplantation." University of Alberta. 1993? <http://www.ualberta.ca/~ethics/bb6-3xen.htm>

5. Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. "FDA Approach to the Regulation of Xenotransplantation." 19 Oct. 2000. <http://www.fda.gov/cber/xap/xap.htm>

6. National Academy Press. "Xenotransplantation: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy." 1996. <http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/xeno/>

7. Michaels, Marian. "Defining the Risks and the Risk Reduction Strategies." 27 Feb. 1998. <http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/topics/xenotransplantation/2098.3896.html>