Originally published January 10 2006
New Zealand may soon allow humans to receive animal organ transplants
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
After a report from the Bioethics council endorsed the practice of xenotransplantation, which is the transplant of body parts from one species to another, the New Zealand government is considering whether or not it should approve the practice.
The Bioethics Council's report on xenotransplantation -- the transplanting of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another -- has recommended the practice be allowed in New Zealand.
Health advocates have welcomed the decision, which offers potential relief to various conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and diabetes, as well as an alternative to human organ donation.
After extensive public consultation, the council found New Zealanders understood the technology could ease suffering and save lives.
However, it recommended strict guidelines be enforced should xenotransplantation become a reality here.
Several New Zealanders have been involved with the technology after pig cells were used as part of a clinical treatment for diabetes in the mid-1990s.
Martin Wilkinson, the head of the working group that made the recommendation, said cultural, ethical and spiritual concerns about the technology were not enough to justify prohibition.
A regulatory framework must be developed and be adequate to deal with the special issues raised by xenotransplantation," he said.
# A monitoring body be set up to oversee regulatory and technological developments.
He acknowledged that the unknown elements of the technology raised some concerns, but it was important those fears did not paralyse attempts to make medical progress.
When Living Cell Technologies' application to implant insulin-producing pig cells into diabetics was turned down by the New Zealand Health Ministry in 2001, it took its work to the United States.
Animal welfare was an additional concern, but Fitzsimons said as long as the animals were afforded a high standard of care, this issue did not outweigh the concern of a possible viral outbreak.
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope said it was important to investigate the potential benefits of the technology while society's concerns were considered.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml