Exploring the Ethics of Clinical Xenotransplantation

by Christopher Bobier, Adam Omelianchuk, Daniel J. Hurst

Overview

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the ethics of xenotransplantation.

Due to the global shortage of organs for transplantation, there is increasing interest in cross-species transplantation, or xenotransplantation, among researchers and clinicians. Proponents of xenotransplantation envision a future in which transplantable organs can be safely and efficiently grown in genetically-modified pigs. This book provides an overview of the major ethical issues involved in xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation touches on almost every area of bioethics: animal research, public health, patient selection, allocation, global justice, pediatric research, and informed consent. Each chapter provides a nuanced overview of the positions that have been offered on a specific topic and the authors seek to provide a way forward.

Exploring the Ethics of Clinical Xenotransplantation is an essential resource for researchers, students, and clinicians working in bioethics, medical ethics, animal ethics, and public health policy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032750699
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/29/2025
Series:	Routledge Annals of Bioethics
Pages:	150
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Christopher Bobier, PhD, MA is Associate Professor of Foundational Sciences at Central Michigan University College of Medicine (Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, USA). In addition to xenotransplantation, his research interests include pediatric ethics, research ethics, philosophy of hope, and animal ethics.

Adam Omelianchuk, PhD, MA is an Assistant Professor at the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine as well as a practicing clinical ethicist (HEC-C) at Houston Methodist Hospital. His work focuses on ethical issues in death determination and transplant medicine.

Daniel J. Hurst, PhD, ThM, MSc is Director of Medical Professionalism, Ethics, and Humanities, as well as Associate Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Medical Education & Scholarship at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine (Stratford, New Jersey, USA). He is co-editor of Xenotransplantation: Ethical, Regulatory, and Social Aspects (2023).

Table of Contents

Introduction  1. Organ transplantation and alternatives–the state of affairs  2. Is xenotransplant animal research ethical?  3. What are the public health concerns?  4. Who should receive a xenotransplant?  5. Is informed consent possible?  6. What interests are at stake for children?  7. How do we balance innovation and price?  8. What are the global and future implications?