Xenotransplantation: the role of the infection protection for risk assessment

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The control of potential risks probably related to Xenotransplantation is discussed since several years especially under legal, ethical and social aspects. These sciences should, among others, contribute to establish an adequate instrument beyond a critical position in favour for a Xenotransplantation without neglecting the potential risks for the patient or third persons or the society. This aim will fit into the statement of the European Commission about the "precautionary principle" of February, the 2nd, 2000. This principle should help to control the "dilemma of balancing the freedom and rights of individuals, industry and organisations with the need to reduce the risk of adverse effects to the environment, human, animal and plant health" ... "finding the correct balance so that the proportionate, non-discriminatory, transparent and coherent actions can be taken requires a structured decision-making process with detailed scientific and other objective information". Risk assessment, risk management and risk communication are the three central elements of this controlling process. In this sense the European Parliament and the European Council in 1998 already decreed the decision about "the creation of a net for the epidemiological surveillance and the control of infectious diseases in the Community". We will describe these aspects of after care presenting the new German Infection Protection Law in relation with proposals of national and international studies, reports and national regulations of other countries
Original languageEnglish
JournalTransplantationsmedizin
Volume14
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)184-188
Number of pages5
ISSN0946-9648
Publication statusPublished - 2002

    Research areas

  • Commercial law - infection protection, infectious disease, Monitoring, risk assessment, surveillance programme, Xenotransplantation