The shortage of organs and tissues of human origin available for transplantation has led to studies examining alternative experimental solutions, such as xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation is any procedure that involves the transplantation, implantation or infusion of living cells, tissues or organs from a nonhuman animal source into a human recipient. Such solutions raise ethical issues and considerable risks in the field of public health and the transmission of diseases. Taking into account the risks which might arise from xenotransplantation, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted the Recommendation Rec(2003)10 to ensure that member states take the necessary measures and take a step towards worldwide cooperation in the field of xenotransplantation.
Read the Recommendation here.
