Xeno(transplant)phobia
Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs across species barriers, primarily from genetically modified pigs to humans, lies at the forefront of biotechnological advancement. This procedure is nearing clinical application and may present a promising solution to the chronic shortage of human donor organs.
While many researchers and bioethicists view xenotransplantation as a breakthrough with direct human-life-saving potential, public opinion nonetheless reflects discomfort and opposition. Many people have a visceral or emotional aversion to xenotransplantation–call it an ‘ickiness factor.’ Surveys reveal that xenotransplantation is one of the most opposed forms of biotechnology, despite its potential to save lives. This opposition persists across various demographic groups, including religious and dietary preferences.
Some researchers argue that technology often outpaces public opinion and that the key to acceptance lies in educating the public about the scientific and ethical aspects of xenotransplantation. However, the ethical dilemma extends beyond mere knowledge gaps. Recipients of allotransplants (human organs) often report feelings of "altered subjectivity," such as changes in appetite or a general sense of unease, attributed to the foreign organ. These subjective experiences are sometimes dismissed by medical professionals, but they raise significant questions about the psychological and emotional impacts of receiving an organ from a different species.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What is the ethical responsibility between individuals, such as doctors and patients or researchers and the public, in understanding each other's perspectives on biotechnology like xenotransplantation?
To what extent should public opinion influence policy making in biotechnology? Does public opinion represent genuine ethical concerns or a lack of understanding?
Should attitudes like disgust play a role in moral deliberation?
References
[1] Transgenic Research, “Xenotransplantation becoming reality”
[2] Animals (Basel), “Ethical and Societal Issues Occasioned by Xenotransplantation”
[3] Medical Humanities, “‘Dirty pigs’ and the xenotransplantation paradox”
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