title: To the core of porcine matter: evaluating arguments against producing transgenic pigs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The production of transgenic pigs for xenotransplantation is based on an urgent human need for transplantable organs. Although the particular genetic modifications are small and do not alter the organism phenotypically, several authors consider it to be morally problematic. In this paper we attempt to establish if there are genuine reasons to refrain from producing 'humanized' pigs.
  
  
  METHODS
  We distinguish between two types of ethical arguments against transgenesis often confused in debating the matter: consequentialist and inherent arguments. Whereas the first type of argument pertains to the potentially negative effects of the procedure, the second type claims that genetic engineering of animals is 'inherently' wrong; that the action itself regardless of the effects - is to be considered immoral. If this is the case, then the discussion need not be taken further. If not, then these arguments do not stand in evaluating the procedure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We demonstrate that none of the claims asserting inherent wrongness of transgenesis is valid as such.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sound resistance to producing transgenic pigs is restricted to concerns regarding the concrete effects of the applications.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental Philosophy and Bioethics, Department of Philosophy, Ghent University, Belgium. an.ravelingien@ugent.be
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ravelingien
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Braeckman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D005818:Genetic Engineering / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D013552:Swine / Q000235:genetics*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods*