Human-Animal Hybrids and Chimeras: What's in a Name?

JAHR - European Journal of Bioethics, Vol. 6/1, No. 11, 2015

22 Pages Posted: 14 Nov 2015

See all articles by Shane McNamee

Shane McNamee

University of Bayreuth - Chair for Consumer Law; TheUndisciplined.com

Date Written: February 1, 2015

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyse public opinion and understanding of human-animal hybrid and chimera research; an area in which there are particularly strong opinions and reactions, but perhaps relatively little understanding or effective communication with the public. The paper will begin with a look at the mythological, historical and science-fiction connotations of these sorts of terms, and where the negative public opinions may have originated. The extent of this sort of research, and what precisely is covered by the various terms (such as xenotransplantation, transgenics, hybrids, and chimeras), will be examined. The case of admixed embryos in the UK will be examined as a case study in how sensationalist reporting on both sides of the debate can lead to regulatory difficulties. Finally, this paper will look at how this might more generally affect public policy and regulation in the UK.

Keywords: hybrids, chimeras, transgenics, xenotransplantation, cybrids, admixed embryos, public policy, medical regulation

Suggested Citation

McNamee, Shane and McNamee, Shane, Human-Animal Hybrids and Chimeras: What's in a Name? (February 1, 2015). JAHR - European Journal of Bioethics, Vol. 6/1, No. 11, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2689999

Shane McNamee (Contact Author)

TheUndisciplined.com ( email )

Dublin, Co. Dubli
Ireland

University of Bayreuth - Chair for Consumer Law ( email )

Universitätsstraße 30
Bayreuth, 95447
Germany

HOME PAGE: http://www.schmidt-kessel.uni-bayreuth.de/de/team/research_assistant/McNamee_Shane/index.html

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