Hospital: Poor health only criteria for pig heart transplant

By The Associated Press

A Maryland hospital is defending its decision to transplant a pig’s heart into a dying man following reports that the patient had a criminal record. David Bennett still is recovering from last week’s highly experimental transplant, a medical first and a step in the quest to one day ease shortages of human organs. The Washington Post reported Thursday that he served time in prison for a stabbing 34 years ago. The University of Maryland Medical Center said doctors are obligated to provide the best possible care for every patient regardless of their background.