Religious Perspectives Regarding the Ethical Issues Associated With Clinical Xenotransplantation

Area of Science:

• Transplantation Science
• Bioethics
• Religious Studies

Background:

• Xenotransplantation is advancing towards clinical applications, necessitating public engagement and understanding of diverse societal viewpoints.
• Religious perspectives are a significant societal segment to consider due to the global prevalence of religious identification.
• Ethical considerations surrounding clinical xenotransplantation require input from various religious traditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and document religious viewpoints on the ethical issues of clinical xenotransplantation.
• To understand how different religious traditions perceive the permissibility and ethical implications of xenotransplantation.
• To inform prospective clinical trials and public discourse on xenotransplantation.

Main Methods:

• A group of religious scholars convened at the 2024 Congress of The Transplantation Society.
• Scholars represented diverse faith traditions including Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam (Shia and Sunni), Judaism, Protestant Christianity, Latter-day Saints, African American religious traditions, and Anglican Episcopal.
• Discussions focused on ethical issues from each tradition's perspective, noting relevant religious dictums.

Main Results:

• No participants deemed xenotransplantation impermissible within their respective religious traditions.
• Common ethical concerns discussed included animal stewardship and the risk of xenozoonotic infections.
• Individual adherents may hold differing views within the same faith tradition.

Conclusions:

• Continued exploration of religious perspectives is vital as xenotransplantation progresses to clinical settings.
• Understanding these viewpoints supports informed individual decision-making and patient-centered care.
• Further empirical data collection across religious traditions is recommended to refine normative views and assess public education impact.