Developing European policy on xenotransplantation: instructive findings from the first representative UK sample survey on attitudes and views on animal to human transplants

Abstract

Recent landmark advances, particularly those related to gene-editing technology and the pioneering pig-to-human transplants currently underway in the USA and China, mean that xenotransplantation (XTx) may become a realistic option for patients waiting for human organ transplants in the foreseeable future. XTx policy needs to be informed by understanding what the public thinks. We undertook what we believe to be the first representative population survey in the United Kingdom of attitudes and views towards XTx. Sixty-five percent of respondents were supportive. Fifty-nine percent would be willing to accept a transplant from a pig. The main concerns related to genetic modification and animal welfare. Public support was subject to rigorous oversight of safety and animal welfare by an independent regulator. There were significant differences in view related to age, sex, ethnicity, educational qualifications and religion with women, people from Black and Asian minority groups and Muslims less supportive of XTx. These findings highlight the importance of demonstrating to the public that XTx can be provided safely while ensuring high standards of animal welfare. We propose reproducing this survey in other European countries would enable comparative analysis and adapting it to incorporate professional opinion may help inform the development of XTx policy and practice in Europe.