People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Xenografts are organ transplants in which an animal organ is transplanted into a human patient. In the following viewpoint, the anti-animal experimentation organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argues that animal organs should not be transplanted into humans. No animal-to-human transplants have succeeded, PETA asserts. Moreover, the organization contends, transplanting animal organs into humans may transfer deadly viruses to the human species. PETA maintains that more effort should be directed at convincing people to become organ donors than pursuing xenografts.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many animals have been used as organ donors for humans since 1905, according to PETA?
2. Why did many medical ethicists condemn Baby Fae’s transplant surgeon, in PETA’s opinion?
3. According to PETA, how do xenografts affect...