Yellowknife (July 06/01) - Animal organs in human beings?

A public forum on "xenotransplantation" Thursday at the Explorer Hotel raised serious questions about the procedure, including the possible spread of infectious disease and personal freedom versus public safety.

From left, Dr. Dan Gregson and Prof. Brent Windwick. - Robert Dall/NNSL photo

Health Canada has commissioned the Canadian Public Health Association to ask citizen panels in six Canadian cities to listen to expert opinions and then make recommendations to a public advisory group.

Based on their conclusions, Health Minister Allan Rock will decide whether to allow clinical trials in Canada. The Yellowknife forum was the last of the six meetings.

Experts told Yellowknife's panel of 23 citizens, which included representatives from aboriginal groups, that transplanting animal organs into humans could conceivably create new infectious diseases.

And although new technology could alter the genetic makeup of animal organs, making them more compatible with the human immune system, medical experts at the forum admitted there is much they don't know. "The immune system is still a huge barrier," said transplant expert, Dr. Patricia Campbell. "Every time we overcome one barrier another one comes up."

University of Alberta law professor Brent Windwick pointed out that xenotransplantation patients would likely have to give consent to life-long surveillance. Currently, a patient may withdraw from medical research at any point.

"What about a situation where, after five years, a patient wants to withdraw from consent? If a person refuses, what are you going to do?" he asked.

In a worst case scenario -- if a "xenograft" patient develops a communicable disease -- restrictions on reproduction, travel, and on general activity may be required, he added.

But, after the forum, Windwick said there will be continuing pressure for more research whether it is resisted or not.

"Experience tells you that very few significant scientific advances get stopped in its tracks," he said.

Gloria Boissoneau, who had kidney transplant in 1998, was also on the expert panel. "The human will to live is very strong," she said. "I might consider having an animal transplant."

"Right now, I am thinking, who gave us the authority to play God?" said citizen panelist Alphonsine McNeely of the NWT Native Women's association. "I think there are going to be consequences if we fool around with nature."

Another panelist, Werner Klinger, said "I still have a lot of questions. I probably have more questions than I have answers."