Do Judaism and Islam allow use of porcine derived medical products?
Do Jews and Muslims, those who believe that swine are unclean, accept medical treatments and products that are derived form swine? Small intestinal submucosa and collagen from pigs, as two examples, are used in human medicine treatments. Do their dietary laws include prohibition of this as well? Also, do Hundus refuse bovine-based products based on their reverence for cows?
2006-10-19 15:41:01 · 8 answers · asked by ? 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
kentclark007, woulrd you please be so kind as to explain your answer in greater detail? What do you mean by "trollerific"? Are you suggesting that this question sounds like the work of an internet troll? What is not productive?
2006-10-19 16:14:13 · update #1
There is a porcine valve in open heart surgery, that is often used because the mechanical version of the valve carries a higher risk of complications from blood clots.
That said, I have worked with Orthodox Jews who have received a porcine valve. The laws relating to kosher or kashrut, apply only to foods that are consumed. Exceptions can be made in Judiasm for medical reasons to suspend kashrut.
I cannot speak for muslims. The only bovine derived medical product I am aware of is bovine insulin. This has been largely replaced by recombinant-DNA derived insulin from yeast. So perhaps this is no longer an issue for Hindus.
2006-10-20 06:30:18 · answer #1 · answered by phantomlimb7 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have given some of our muslim patients biological heart valves - which means heart valve transplant from pigs because they are the closest thing out there to a human heart valve. They all knew beforehand and some consulted their Imam which was always answered positively - YES, they can have those. Some insulines are also derived from pig mucosa and is widely accepted as treatment in the muslim world if medically necessary. Really the only ones who give us tons of ethical problems when it comes to any kind of treatment are the Jehovas Witnesses who will refuse blood transfusions even if it would save the life of their child.... I will never understand..
Hope that helped!
2006-10-20 06:34:41 · answer #2 · answered by sidulrike 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is a right answer for this question. Islam and Judaism ask for its followers to preserve life. But it asks them to not consume pork. I have asked the same question to muslims and jews and even vegetarians. But their answers are usually mixed. But at the end of the day, you must take the stpes in life to preserve your own. And there are medicines made from cows and horses in the same way.
2006-10-20 00:37:06 · answer #3 · answered by phillyboy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know that in Islam, you're only allowed to use "Haraam" medicinal products if there is no other alternative and if the condition you're being treated for is potentially life threatening.
2006-10-20 01:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by F R 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU CAN GET RABBINICAL REVIEW if you must eat or use pig. and maybe have it approved see the book " the kosher pig"...
even if you keep kosher....
I'd imagine Muslim law would follow suit.
and truth be known in America at least many don't follow the old laws that worked for days when trichinosis and other things were common,.. and before they tasted carnitas!
2006-10-19 23:02:17 · answer #5 · answered by homelessinorangecounty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
at least for judaism....
I'm sure it would be a highly debated choice, but almost certainly, IMO, if its the last resort, it would be allowed.
why? because preservation of life comes before essentially all other laws.
but only as a last resort to save a life.
2006-10-19 22:49:43 · answer #6 · answered by RW 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thats Trollerific...but not productive
2006-10-19 22:56:57 · answer #7 · answered by kentclark_007 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't know; maybe since the bacteria has probably been killed that it might be O.K.
2006-10-20 00:29:29 · answer #8 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋