Xenotransplantation - animal-to-human transplants

In recent years a new type of technology has hit the headlines - xenotransplantation. In human medicine, xenotransplantation means using living non-human animal cells, tissues or organs to treat humans. It is not a new idea - animal organ and tissue transplants have been tried a number of times over the centuries, but with little success. Now, however, researchers are working on this technology again.

The Council's xenotransplantation: animal-to-human transplants public dialogue

The Council conducted a dialogue on xenotransplantation from March to May 2005, comprising:

• publication of a xenotransplantation discussion document and Whakapapa and xenotransplantation leaflet
• public meetings across the country
• an online forum.

Members of the public were invited to make submissions about xenotransplantation. Submissions closed on 20 May 2005. The Bioethics Council analysed the submissions and in December 2005 presented a report of their findings from the dialogue to the Minister for the Enivronment.