This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) is launching an Electronic Discussion Group on International Xenotransplantation Policy Considerations on the World Wide Web.

Based on recommendations made at the WHO Consultation on Xenotransplantation, in October 1997, areas of discussion will include the ethical considerations of xenotransplantation; quality control for cell, tissue and organ production; donor animal health; surveillance of xenotransplant recipients and their immediate contacts; research needs and direction; and xenotransplantation registries and review boards.

A total of 13 topics will be considered in turn, and the discussion period for each will last for approximately one week. Background information relevant to each topic will be provided by an Organisation for Economic Co-ordination and Development archive, and a team of volunteer moderators around the world will edit submitted comments.

Moderator Andre La Prairie, manager of the Blood, Tissue, Organ and Xenograft Project Policy Division of the Canadian government, explains that the exercise is intended to inform all parties. "Regulators will learn about scientific issues and information on regulatory issues will be provided for scientists—so that they realise there are options to control xenotransplantation instead of simply calling for a moratorium," says La Prairie. He adds that it will also "be key to informing the public, because the Web can be accessed by people from every walk of life." Those wishing to participate should send an e-mail message to xenodiscussion@who.int stating their name and affiliation.