Miniature pig killed for liver transplant in China

Scientists in China have transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead man, highlighting the growing use of animals in medical experiments. More animals are now being bred, altered, and killed to serve human needs.

The surgery, which took place at Xijing Hospital in Xi’an, is believed to be the first time a pig liver was transplanted into a human.

The liver came from a genetically modified Bama miniature pig with six altered genes to prevent the human immune system from rejecting it. The pig was killed for the procedure.

The liver appeared to function for 10 days inside the patient’s body, producing bile and blood proteins. While the patient was already brain-dead and his own liver was still working, the experiment was meant to test if a pig liver could one day be used as a temporary “bridge” organ for people waiting for a transplant or recovering from liver damage.

Animal welfare groups have long raised ethical concerns about xenotransplantation, the process of using animal organs in humans. These animals are bred specifically for experiments, genetically altered and then killed for their organs.

This latest experiment follows other recent pig-to-human transplants, including pig hearts and kidneys. Many of the patients died soon after, though they were already seriously ill.

Animals as spare parts

Despite the animal welfare concerns, scientists continue to develop the field, arguing that animal organs could help save human lives.

But animal advocates say the cost to animals is too high. Pigs are sentient beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and stress. They are being treated as spare parts instead of living creatures.

The growing demand for pig organs means more animals will suffer in laboratories and be killed for research and transplants.

As science moves forward, the debate continues: should animal lives be sacrificed to extend human ones?