Animal to Human Transplantation: So what about the animals?
Last week we had a bit of a general discussion on animal to human transplantation, but this week we’re getting specific.
We’ll be looking at what it all means for our furry friends - the animals.
(NOTE: More information on this can be found in the discussion document,“The Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Aspects of Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation”, check it out at www.bioethics.org.nz.)
Which animals are we talking about?
There is a general agreement amongst researchers that non-human primates (that’s things like baboons, monkeys etc. for those who didn’t do so well in bio) are not suitable for animal to human transplantation because of the risks of infection to the recipient and the wider community.
They are also highly intelligent animals with complex behavioral and social needs. At present, pigs are a more likely and appropriate source of organs and tissues since their anatomy and functioning are very similar to that of humans.
But should we use them at all?
Some people believe that hurting or killing animals is ethically wrong. Others hold the view that human benefits outweigh the harm caused to animals.
Do you think the harm to animals is ok because the benefit to humans (in terms of lives saved and suffering alleviated) is so huge? Or do you take the view that anything which causes animals harm or suffering is wrong, regardless of the benefits?
So the question really is how should the interest of animals be weighed against those of humans? Your answer could be dependent on the type of animal in question or the actual benefit of this type of transplantation for humans.
What do you think?
The Council wants you to become involved in one or more of the following dialogue activities taking place until May 2005:
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.org.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.
on animal to human transplantation, but this week we’re getting specific.