Human–Pig Chimeric Organ in Organ Transplantation from Islamic Bioethics Perspectives

Abstract

The use of pig derivatives in medicine is forbidden in Islamic law texts, despite the fact that certain applications offer medical advantages. Pigs can be one of the best human organ hosts; therefore, using human–pig chimeras may generate beneficial impact in organ transplantation, particularly in xenotransplantation. In Islam, medical emergencies may allow some pig-based treatments and medical procedures to be employed therapeutically. However, depending on the sort of medical use, emergency situation might differ. Using Islamic legal maxim as bioethical framework, the purpose of this study is to examine the use of pigs for the purpose of human–pig chimeric transplant from the perspective of Islamic bioethics. According to the findings, chimeric organ transplantation using pigs should only be done in emergency situations.

The importance of public engagement in clinical xenotransplantation

“…Hence, detailed empirical data based upon religious viewpoints are lacking. Nevertheless, descriptive analysis on how Catholic [ 30 , 31 , 32 ], Protestant [ 33 ], Jewish [ 34 , 35 ], Sunni [ 36 , 37 ] and Shia Islam [ 38 ], and Hindu [ 39 ] faith groups may approach xenotransplantation, much of which expresses an openness toward xenotransplantation, has been published. Much less is known about how adherents to certain other religious/philosophical traditions—such as Buddhism, Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism—view xenotransplantation.…”

Xenotransplantation: A historical–ethical account of viewpoints

“…Zailani and colleagues have recently argued that, due to Islamic legal maxims, "chimeric organ transplantation using pigs should only be done in emergency situations." 16 However, despite this, there remains no definitive Islamic ethico-legal ruling on XTx and even less is known about Muslim receptibility toward this kind of therapy. 17 Buddhists and Hindus would be opposed to XTx.…”

“…These conditions are (i) that it must only be performed in an emergency where there is no acceptable alternative, and (ii) the harm from the xenotransplant must be less than the harm from not performing the surgery. Zailani and colleagues have recently argued that, due to Islamic legal maxims, “chimeric organ transplantation using pigs should only be done in emergency situations.” 16 However, despite this, there remains no definitive Islamic ethico‐legal ruling on XTx and even less is known about Muslim receptibility toward this kind of therapy 17 …”