But despite the natural barriers to transplantation, xenotransplantation aims specifically to overcome them. In this paper, I will discuss applications of xenograft technology, which raises clinical risks, ethical concerns, and policy issues. I conclude with a set of specific recommendations. No one knows what all the risks, benefits, and unintended consequences of xenotransplantation will be. All those involved in developing this technology agree that more public debate on moral and ethical issues needs to occur, but no one seems to know exactly how to make that happen.
Scientists know it is politically risky to move too far ahead without public support.
Public policy made as a side-effect of technological advances may very well not work out, considering some known risks. Scientists should not be the only ones making these decisions. To order the full text of this article, please go to ordering .