The operation was carried out on a cadaver but the first human head transplant might not be that far off in the future as 31-year old Russian Valery Spiridonov has volunteered to have the operation because his life has been made miserable by a muscle-wasting disease. “It will be for a medical, neurological condition, not for life-extension,” Canavero said of the operation.

Canavero was asked whether there was a possibility that the operation would take place outside of China if it was successful on a living person, and he answered with a resounding no. “Given the amount of mean criticism we received, I don’t think we should go international. For instance, if you still stick to the Frankenstein schtick, which doesn’t make sense, then no. This is a medical condition for people who are suffering awfully so it isn’t a joke.”

Dr. James Fildes, NHS principal research scientist at the University Hospital of South Manchester’s Transplant Centre, said, “Unless Canavero or Ren provide real evidence that they can perform a head, or more appropriately, a whole body transplant on a large animal that recovers sufficient function to improve quality of life, this entire project is morally wrong.”

What are your views about the procedure? Let us know in the comments.

Share This Post