Voices: Is It Morally Acceptable to Use Baboon Cells to Combat AIDS?

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Voices: Is It Morally Acceptable to Use Baboon Cells to Combat AIDS?

USA Today (12/18/95) P. 10A

Last week, AIDS patient Jeff Getty had baboon bone marrow cells infused into his body in an attempt to slow disease progression. The technique is controversial, with concerns being voiced about transmitting animal diseases to humans and cruelty to animals. USA Today surveyed its readers on these issues, asking whether it is morally acceptable to use baboon cells in the fight against AIDS. A researcher from Herndon, Va., observed, "If this is an issue of disease transmission, then this is an issue of technology, not morality." Meanwhile, an Emlyn, Ky. agency director said, "I guess it's OK to see if the baboon cells will help this man develop immunity to AIDS, but it is regrettable that the baboon died." Also supporting the transplant is a high school student from Center, Texas, who said, "Experimentation like this is justified for medical purposes." Furthermore, a Lynwood, Calif., aircraft mechanic said, "I don't see a problem if it doesn't pose a risk to humans, and I do have some concern for a new human disease cropping up. But synthetic drugs pose risks too."

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