ALTEX :: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

1998, VOLUME 1

Xenotransplantation and Animal Welfare

Christoph A. Reinhardt

SAAT (Swiss Alternatives to Animal Testing), CH-Bertschikon-Z&uuuml;rich and Fachstelle Gentechnologie and Tierversuche, Schweizer Tierschutz STS, CH-Basel

SUMMARY

The problems of feasibility and public acceptance of using animals as foreign donors for organ transplants (xenotransplantation) are discussed from an animal protection point of view. It is proposed that a transparent information and a transdisciplinary composition of the members of decisive bodies is ensured to incorporate the current distrust towards xenotransplantation of a large part of the population. This strategy could lead to a consensus for or against such animal use of the whole society before it is technically possible and, therefore, irrevocable facts are created.

Keywords: xenotransplantation; feasibility study; public acceptance