Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation is the transfer of organs from an animal of one species to an animal of another species (or to a human being). The technique is seen as a possible solution for the shortage of human donor organs caused by the fact that the demand for organs is rising faster than the supply. In this report, a committee of the Health Council of the Netherlands describes the present scientific status of xenotransplantation. A number of ethical issues are also considered in relation to the desirability and acceptability of research into and the possible clinical application of the technique. The report additionally includes a brief summary of the legislation which is relevant in this field.