The attitudes of religious group leaders towards xenotransplantation: A focus group study

Clinical trials of xenotransplantation (XTx) may start in coming years. Religious views have been mentioned as possible barriers to XTx acceptance. While there have been reports on perspectives of theologians in regard to XTx, no report has studied the perspectives of community religious leaders. A focus group was conducted with a sample of members of the following faith groups: Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Qualitative content analysis was performed to identify interpretive themes. Four themes emerged. Participants were receptive to the idea of XTx and expressed no religious barriers to accepting a pig xenograft as a lifesaving therapy but did express certain concerns. Religious leaders accept the idea of XTx and do not see it as contradictory to their beliefs. However, some concerns were raised. Future studies addressing these concerns and exploring the potential role of religious leaders in educating the community on XTx are needed.