Bioethics Council launches report on Xenotransplantation

The Bioethics Report on Xenotransplantation concludes that in principle animal-to-human transplantation is acceptable to New Zealanders and recommends that it be allowed with appropriate regulations.

Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another. This report is the result of nearly 300 submissions, an on-line dialogue and 16 dialogue and hui events around New Zealand.

During the hui, Maori expressed a wish to develop tikanga and matauranga to evaluate xenotransplantation and other biotechnologies.

Martin Wilkinson head of the Bioethics Council Xenotransplantation Working Group says the dialogue with the public found that New Zealanders understand that xenotransplantation could offer the possibility of reducing suffering and saving lives.

“Following dialogue with the public regarding the cultural, ethical and spiritual dimensions of xenotransplantation, the Council found that the concerns were not enough to justify a complete prohibition on xenotransplantation,” he said.

“Many people expressed concern about safety and wanted a ‘case by case’ approach to be taken. A regulatory framework must be developed and be adequate to deal with the special issues raised by xenotransplantation.”

Xenotransplantation by its very nature requires the use of animals. The Bioethics Council considers there are significant ethical issues relating to the welfare of animals used in xenotransplantation and that animals should not suffer unnecessarily.

The report also raises the issue of ‘xenotourism’ and whether New Zealanders should be prevented from receiving xenografts in other countries. The Council recommends that a national register of all New Zealanders and visitors who have received xenografts be established. to protect public safety.

The Bioethics Council dialogue on xenotransplantation was undertaken between February and May 2005.

For more information visit www.bioethics.org.nz
Media contact: John Pennington