M.D. Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D. Executive Summary 1. The alleged chronic shortage of human organs has led some researchers and federal health officials in the US and elsewhere to consider using animals, such as pigs and nonhuman primates, as alternate sources of organs for humans. While some researchers and animal research advocates are optimistic about xenotransplantation's potential, others are calling for a moratorium on the technology, which they say threatens public health and the environment, has an appalling track record, and is both expensive and unnecessary. These concerns have not been satisfacto rily addressed by xenotransplantation's proponents, who have overstated the technology's potential benefits. All have proven unsuccessful, resulting in the suffering and death of all patients and donor animals.
Xenotransplantation is a dangerous and unproven technology.
These costs are beyond the means of the majority of Americans and an already overburdened health care system. Health authorities were unable to prevent the worldwide spread of HIV infection. Furthermore, there is evidence that humans have become ill after consuming or being injected with animal materials. Numerous scientists have urged US public health agencies to exclude primates as donors for xenotransplantation. Viruses that are harmless to their animal hosts, can be deadly when transmitted to humans.