59% of UK adults say they would accept a pig organ transplant
In the first representative UK survey on xenotransplantation, most respondents backed pig-to-human transplants, though support varied by sex, ethnicity and religion.
As gene-editing advances and early pig-to-human transplants proceed in the USA and China, researchers surveyed a representative sample of the UK population about xenotransplantation. This is described as the first survey of its kind in the country.
Sixty-five percent of respondents supported the idea, and 59% said they would be willing to accept a transplant from a pig. The main worries were genetic modification and animal welfare. Support depended on rigorous safety and animal welfare oversight by an independent regulator.
Attitudes differed by age, sex, ethnicity, education and religion. Women, people from Black and Asian minority groups, and Muslims were less supportive. As a survey, it captures stated opinions rather than actual behavior when facing a transplant decision. The authors suggest repeating it in other European countries.
Summary prepared with AI assistance from the published abstract and reviewed by a physician. Not medical advice. Learn more
