The Foetus as Transplant Donor

The subject of research on the human foetus became a major source of controversy in the early 1970's. Questions continue to be posed concerning the moral implications of experimentation on human foetal subjects. The author sets out to analyse foetal experimentation.

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The subject of research on the human foetus became a major source of controversy in the early 1970's. Since that time the ethical issues surrounding foetal experimentation have been under constant debate both within the medical profession and in society as a whole. Questions continue to be posed concerning the moral implications of experimentation on human foetal subjects, the difficulties associated with diagnosing foetal brain death, and whether or not it makes a difference if the purpose of research is experimental or therapeutic in relation to the subject. Peter McCullagh sets out in this book to suggest answers to these questions, by means of careful analysis of all the different aspects of foetal experimentation. He discusses the historical background of perceptions about foetal tissue suitability for transplantation, and examines the manner in which current claims have been derived from earlier practice. He then goes on to make a detailed examination of the manner in which proposals for transplantation of one specific type of foetal tissue, the pancreas, have been presented to the community.
This book is relevant for everyone involved both in medical research and clinical practice relating to transplantation. Its discussion of the moral and societal implications of science will also guarantee its appeal to the general reader concerned about how medical practice influences, and is influenced by, attitudes prevailing in the community.