List of Pros and Cons of Xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation pros and cons comes down to understanding the method itself. This process involves taking tissue, organs, and other areas of the body from one animal, and moving them into the body of another animal. This involves humans, as well. Not surprisingly, this is a subject that generates a considerable amount of controversy.

There are numerous benefits to xenotransplantation that are worth appreciating. However, as is the case with many complex issues, there are a number of potential downsides that you are going to want to keep in mind.

Pros Of Xenotransplantation

Although actual success stories with this method are not plentiful, the promise shown in this method has nonetheless compelled the research to continue. New breakthroughs are occurring all of the time, and it stands to reason that this method is only going to continue to become more viable with time:

1. Considerable health benefits
Although far from purpose, there is no question that the process of xenotransplantation comes with considerable benefits, in terms of potentially saving the lives of millions of people. Those who die waiting for more traditional transplants will suddenly find themselves with viable alternatives.

2. It cripples the black market
The black market continues to a problem, in terms of an entity that gains and sells vital organs through a variety of illegal channels. With xenotransplantation, you have something that is going to dramatically reduce the dependency on these illegal channels.

3. It can lead to new approaches to research
Xenotransplantation involves moving organs from one animal to another. It can also involve utilizing new research and discovering new information on the potential benefits of using one animal to help another.

4. It could meet demand
The demand for organs remains high. Xenotransplantation can help to offset this demand to a significant degree.

Cons Of Xenotransplantation

As you can imagine, there are numerous challenging cons of xenotransplantation that are worth studying:

1. The moral implications
Religion can sometimes get in the way of medical progress. That certainly seems to be the case here, as many find the concept of xenotransplantation to be extremely immoral. They would also argue that it goes against the will of god.

2. Disease transmission
Transferring organs from one animal to another can also mean transferring diseases.

3. Animal organ lifespans
Animals tend to have shorter lifespans than humans, which can create potential problems with their organs.

4. High rejection rate
At this point, the rejection rate for xenotransplantation remains extremely high.