Animal to Human Transplantation: What do you think?
Transplanting cells from animals to humans is no longer the domain of science fiction movies.
You only need to switch on the news to see this type of thing being fiercely debated, but what does it actually mean? If you’re anything like me and you tend to switch off when they start with the big science words (xenotransplantation anyone?) then this column is for you.
We’ll be debunking the various arguments and issues so you understand what’s going on in these pretty damn important debates. Chances are you already have some feelings on the topic; like putting animal parts into humans – what do you think of that? Too gross to think about? Ok if it was saving a life? What if it was the only way to save the life of your mum?
Each week we’re going to look at different aspects of the debate including: animal rights issues, religious implications and cultural perspectives. Kicking things off this week we’re looking at why this is such a hot topic and, more importantly, how you can have your view heard (and why you should).
Who wants to know?
Human to human transplants were once thought of as being quite crazy, but nowadays it’s pretty common to hear of people receiving say a new kidney from a donor. The same goes for artificial implants, where a piece of machinery is put inside someone to function for them, like a pacemaker. So it’s easy to see why animal transplants could become reality too. Toi te Taiao: The Bioethics Council really want to know what people think about this so it’s important you make your views heard, which will help the Government as it considers the issues.
What’s the point of it all? There are a number of animal-to-human transplantation procedures which potentially offer treatment for serious conditions such as kidney or liver failure and diabetes. Scientists and researchers are also looking at how animal transplants could form part of the solution to the heightening demand for transplanted material, due to our ageing population and limited supply of human donors.
That sounds like an easy solution
Well, nothing’s ever that simple! There’s the risk of infection to both the person who receives the transplant, which could then spread to the people around them. Then there’s the view that you shouldn’t mix animal and human parts. But for others these procedures offer a great solution to a significant problem.
While you may not think these issues have anything to do with you, imagine if someone you love becomes sick and requires a transplant – would you want the option of an animal transplant available to them? Would you hate that to be an option?
Even if this whole debate seems irrelevant to you now it’s more than likely that in the future it could have some direct bearing on your life - so have your say while you have the chance.
In early February the Council released a paper called, “The Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Aspects of Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation”, which will give you heaps more info on the topic – it can be found at www.bioethics.org.nz.
You can also become involved in the following ways:
Attend a dialogue event in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin. Details of the approach of these meetings are available on the website. Register your interest by email xeno@bioethics.co.nz, so that we can contact you to provide further information on the dialogue programme.
Make a submission by mail, email or online.
Get together with whanau, friends or workmates and have a discussion. The Council wants people thinking and talking about these topics, even if you do not end up writing anything down. The website has links to ideas on running dialogue groups.
Transplanting cells from animals to humans is no longer the domain of science fiction movies. 
There are a number of animal-to-human transplantation procedures which potentially offer treatment for serious conditions such as kidney or liver failure and diabetes. Scientists and researchers are also looking at how animal transplants could form part of the solution to the heightening demand for transplanted material, due to our ageing population and limited supply of human donors.