West Coast multi-site dialogue on Animal to Human Transplantation - first of its kind

8 April 2005

West Coasters will have a unique opportunity in early May when the Bioethics Council, in partnership with the local Tai Poutini Polytechnic and WestREAP, hold a facilitated multi-site dialogue on xenotransplantation - animal to human transplantation supported by web and teleconference technology.

With people meeting at five out-post sites, this is the first, and only, multi-site dialogue being undertaken by the Council for the xenotransplantation dialogue and was initially encouraged by the local community.

NB MEDIA: Further information will follow closer to event.

In the meantime, local West Coast public are invited to register their interest to participate...

Feedback from the Council's dialogue, written submission process and online discussions will complement the review of human tissue regulation being undertaken by the Ministry of Health, and will provide valuable input into the recommendations the Council make to Government on xenotransplantation later this year.

Dialogue seeks to build understanding, rather than persuade people to adopt a particular position. It provides participants with a non-threatening 'space' where they do not need to fear personal attack and can examine their own convictions.

To stimulate discussions and inform people of the issues around xenotransplantation before the dialogue process, the Council launched a discussion document in February entitled The Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical Aspects of Xenotransplantation: Animal-to-Human Transplantation.

Public are also invited to become involved in one or more of the following activities which will be taking place between March and May 2005:

• Visit www.bioethics.org.nz for background info and links to more detailed background research
• Join the online discussion forum on the Bioethics website.
• Make a submission by mail, email or online. There is a submission form on our website, or just send a letter or email.
• Get together with whanau, friends or workmates and have a discussion. We want people thinking and talking about these topics, even if you do not end up writing anything down. Our website has links to ideas on running dialogue groups.

ENDS

Release on behalf of the Bioethics Council, WestREAP and Tai Poutini Polytechnic by Network PR (Victoria Rainbow). For more information phone Victoria on 04 3826616 or email victoria.rainbow@networkpr.com.