Use of pigs for xenotransplantation: The speciesism by proxy syndrome

Abstract One of the most obvious ethical problems related to the production of animals as sources of cells, tissues and organs for animal-to-human transplantation – ‘xenotransplantation’ – is the question if such use of animals can be justified. Whereas prior use of nonhuman primates was problematic in terms of justifying xenotransplantation applications, current preference for the use of pigs elicits much less resistance. Wide regulatory support of the pig as the xenograft donor of choice is based on both practical and moral reasons. In this paper, I evaluate both types of reasons for subordinating the pig to human benefit. The factual arguments are reviewed and the relevancy of the ethical arguments is evaluated in light of contesting views and an animal welfare perspective. I suggest that in using the common arguments, one fails to even begin to question if it is in fact acceptable to use pigs as xenograft sources. The arguments merely point out that it is more acceptable to use pigs rather than other species of animals (primates). Even this comparison is in itself often unconvincing. The lack of clear morally relevant distinctions between pigs and primate will be my main point of criticism towards justifications of using pigs as source animals. 

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An Ravelingien Ph.D. is a fellow of the IEET, and an assistant researcher in bioethics at the Department of Philosophy, Ghent University.