Bioethics@

Ethics Case Study: Enviropigs™

by Kristen Hessler, Bioethics Outreach Coordinator, ISU Office of Biotechnology and Cooperative Extension

Purpose: Your group has been asked to provide the USDA with an analysis of the ethical issues associated with Enviropigs™. The aim of this activity is to identify the ethical issues associated with Enviropigs. For each ethical issue you identify, write a few sentences about why Enviropigs raise this issue, citing the material in the case study. If you can, suggest how the ethical issues should be resolved.

Part I: Background--The Science and Potential Benefit of Enviropigs™

• How the Enviropig™ works, a diagram (PDF file; requires Adobe Acrobat Reader); also available in PowerPoint® format.
  
• "Muck, glorious muck", by Tom Clarke in Nature magazine, July 31, 2001
  
• "These little piggies are a scientific marvel", by Kim Honey in Canada's The Globe and Mail, June 23, 1999

Part II: Economics and Alternatives: Who Benefits from Enviropigs™ and How?

• "Reaping research reward", editorial in Farm & Country, June 21, 1999
  
• "And Now...Frankenpigs!", by Jim Hightower in AlterNet.org, August 14, 2001

Part III: Enviropigs™ as Meat

• "The Enviropig™ will reach the meat counter, but when?", editorial by Cecil W. Forsberg in Ontario Farmer, January 1, 2002
  
• "'Enviropig™' Studies Search for Effects of Meat on Humans", by Luisa D'Amato, in Kitchener Waterloo Record, August 3, 2001

Part IV: Research Risks

• "GM piglets accidentally turn into animal feed", from lifesciencesnetwork.com
  
• "Tainted animal feed risk downplayed by federal officials", by Vik Kirsch in The Guelph Mercury, February 19, 2002

Published by: Office of Biotechnology, Bioethics Outreach
Ames, Iowa 50011-3260, (515) 294-9818, biotech@iastate.edu
Questions about the site?  E-mail biotech@www.biotech.iastate.edu
Copyright © 2003, Iowa State University. All rights reserved.

Last Update 10/06/03