Cryonics: Issues in Questionable Medicine and Self-Determination John Labouff
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Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law
Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1985-2015) Volume 2 Issue 1 Article 13 1986 Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law Harold A. Buetow Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarship.law.edu/jchlp Recommended Citation Harold A. Buetow, Medical-Legal Aspects of Cryonics: Prospects for Immortality Ethical - Legal and Social Challenges to a Brave New World Genetics - Ethics and the Law, 2 J. Contemp. Health L. & Pol'y 173 (1986). Available at: https://scholarship.law.edu/jchlp/vol2/iss1/13 This Book Review is brought to you for free and open access by CUA Law Scholarship Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Contemporary Health Law & Policy (1985-2015) by an authorized editor of CUA Law Scholarship Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. BOOK REVIEWS MEDICAL-LEGAL ASPECTS OF CRYONICS: PROSPECTS FOR IMMORTALITY. New York City: Associated Faculty Press 1983. Pp. 81. $12.00. ETHICAL, LEGAL AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES TO A BRAVE NEW WORLD. New York City: Associated Faculty Press 2 Vols. 1982. 1 Vol. Pp. 286, $32.00. 2 Vol. Pp. 264, $28.50. GENETICS, ETHICS AND THE LAW. By George P. Smith, II. New York City: Associated Faculty Press, 1981. Pp. 241. $28.50, cloth; $18.50, paper. Reviewed by Harold A. Buetow, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. In 1968, the University of Michigan Law Review published an article enti- tled, "Through A Test Tube Darkly: Artificial Insemination and The Law."' Its author was George P. -
Tracking COVID-19 As Cause of Death: Global Estimates of Relative Severity
Tracking COVID-19 as Cause of Death: Global Estimates of Relative Severity By Philip Schellekens and Diego Sourrouille* May 2020 ABSTRACT: Despite the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across countries, the global death toll remains highly concentrated in few high-income countries. Reported data suggests the developing world has been largely spared, yet a host of factors, not least demography, suggest that the observed discrepancy in the burden of mortality is likely significantly exaggerated. This paper tracks the severity implied by the reported data and relates it to pre-pandemic mortality patterns to get a feel for the discrepancies and inequalities. An indicator of “relative severity” is proposed to generate global comparisons across countries and over time. The methodology can be utilized to improve tracking systems and detect data anomalies that can then set the stage for further analysis. It should prove useful in getting a better grasp of the distribution and progression of the pandemic if or when the epicenters of the pandemic start shifting to the developing world. JEL: I10, J11 Keywords: Mortality; pandemic. * World Bank Group. Email correspondence: [email protected] and [email protected]. We would like to thank Syud Amer Ahmed, Pablo Cafiero, Marcio Cruz, Carl Dahlman, Indermit Gill, Huade Huo, Matthew Jones, Fabrice Lockefeer, Andrew Mason, Iris Pigeot, Bryce Quillin, Juan V. Sourrouille, Alfred Watkins, Juan Wisnivesky and Shahid Yusuf. 1. Introduction Views about the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak have evolved considerably. The initial outbreak was thought to be confined to China. Soon it spread across Asia and then the rest of the world. -
Near-Death Experiences and the Theory of the Extraneuronal Hyperspace
Near-Death Experiences and the Theory of the Extraneuronal Hyperspace Linz Audain, J.D., Ph.D., M.D. George Washington University The Mandate Corporation, Washington, DC ABSTRACT: It is possible and desirable to supplement the traditional neu rological and metaphysical explanatory models of the near-death experience (NDE) with yet a third type of explanatory model that links the neurological and the metaphysical. I set forth the rudiments of this model, the Theory of the Extraneuronal Hyperspace, with six propositions. I then use this theory to explain three of the pressing issues within NDE scholarship: the veridicality, precognition and "fear-death experience" phenomena. Many scholars who write about near-death experiences (NDEs) are of the opinion that explanatory models of the NDE can be classified into one of two types (Blackmore, 1993; Moody, 1975). One type of explana tory model is the metaphysical or supernatural one. In that model, the events that occur within the NDE, such as the presence of a tunnel, are real events that occur beyond the confines of time and space. In a sec ond type of explanatory model, the traditional model, the events that occur within the NDE are not at all real. Those events are merely the product of neurobiochemical activity that can be explained within the confines of current neurological and psychological theory, for example, as hallucination. In this article, I supplement this dichotomous view of explanatory models of the NDE by proposing yet a third type of explanatory model: the Theory of the Extraneuronal Hyperspace. This theory represents a Linz Audain, J.D., Ph.D., M.D., is a Resident in Internal Medicine at George Washington University, and Chief Executive Officer of The Mandate Corporation. -
The Transhumanist Reader Is an Important, Provocative Compendium Critically Exploring the History, Philosophy, and Ethics of Transhumanism
TH “We are in the process of upgrading the human species, so we might as well do it E Classical and Contemporary with deliberation and foresight. A good first step is this book, which collects the smartest thinking available concerning the inevitable conflicts, challenges and opportunities arising as we re-invent ourselves. It’s a core text for anyone making TRA Essays on the Science, the future.” —Kevin Kelly, Senior Maverick for Wired Technology, and Philosophy “Transhumanism has moved from a fringe concern to a mainstream academic movement with real intellectual credibility. This is a great taster of some of the best N of the Human Future emerging work. In the last 10 years, transhumanism has spread not as a religion but as a creative rational endeavor.” SHU —Julian Savulescu, Uehiro Chair in Practical Ethics, University of Oxford “The Transhumanist Reader is an important, provocative compendium critically exploring the history, philosophy, and ethics of transhumanism. The contributors anticipate crucial biopolitical, ecological and planetary implications of a radically technologically enhanced population.” M —Edward Keller, Director, Center for Transformative Media, Parsons The New School for Design A “This important book contains essays by many of the top thinkers in the field of transhumanism. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the future of humankind.” N —Sonia Arrison, Best-selling author of 100 Plus: How The Coming Age of Longevity Will Change Everything IS The rapid pace of emerging technologies is playing an increasingly important role in T overcoming fundamental human limitations. The Transhumanist Reader presents the first authoritative and comprehensive survey of the origins and current state of transhumanist Re thinking regarding technology’s impact on the future of humanity. -
Cryonics Magazine, Q1 1999
Mark Your Calendars Today! BioStasis 2000 June of the Year 2000 ave you ever considered Asilomar Conference Center Hwriting for publication? If not, let me warn you that it Northern California can be a masochistic pursuit. The simultaneous advent of the word processor and the onset of the Initial List Post-Literate Era have flooded every market with manuscripts, of Speakers: while severely diluting the aver- age quality of work. Most editors can’t keep up with the tsunami of amateurish submissions washing Eric Drexler, over their desks every day. They don’t have time to strain out the Ph.D. writers with potential, offer them personal advice, and help them to Ralph Merkle, develop their talents. The typical response is to search for familiar Ph.D. names and check cover letters for impressive credits, but shove ev- Robert Newport, ery other manuscript right back into its accompanying SASE. M.D. Despite these depressing ob- servations, please don’t give up hope! There are still venues where Watch the Alcor Phoenix as the beginning writer can go for details unfold! editorial attention and reader rec- Artwork by Tim Hubley ognition. Look to the small press — it won’t catapult you to the wealth and celebrity you wish, but it will give you a reason to practice, and it may even intro- duce you to an editor who will chat about your submissions. Where do you find this “small press?” The latest edition of Writ- ers’ Market will give you several possibilities, but let me suggest a more obvious and immediate place to start sending your work: Cryonics Magazine! 2 Cryonics • 1st Qtr, 1999 Letters to the Editor RE: “Hamburger Helpers” by Charles Platt, in his/her interest to go this route if the “Cryonics” magazine, 4th Quarter greater cost of insurance is more than offset Sincerely, 1998 by lower dues. -
Great Mambo Chicken and the Transhuman Condition
Tf Freewheel simply a tour « // o é Z oon" ‘ , c AUS Figas - 3 8 tion = ~ Conds : 8O man | S. | —§R Transhu : QO the Great Mambo Chicken and the Transhuman Condition Science Slightly Over the Edge ED REGIS A VV Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. - Reading, Massachusetts Menlo Park, California New York Don Mills, Ontario Wokingham, England Amsterdam Bonn Sydney Singapore Tokyo Madrid San Juan Paris Seoul Milan Mexico City Taipei Acknowledgmentof permissions granted to reprint previously published material appears on page 301. Manyofthe designations used by manufacturers andsellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Addison-Wesley was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed in initial capital letters (e.g., Silly Putty). .Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Regis, Edward, 1944— Great mambo chicken and the transhuman condition : science slightly over the edge / Ed Regis. p- cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0-201-09258-1 ISBN 0-201-56751-2 (pbk.) 1. Science—Miscellanea. 2. Engineering—Miscellanea. 3. Forecasting—Miscellanea. I. Title. Q173.R44 1990 500—dc20 90-382 CIP Copyright © 1990 by Ed Regis All rights reserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Text design by Joyce C. Weston Set in 11-point Galliard by DEKR Corporation, Woburn, MA - 12345678 9-MW-9594939291 Second printing, October 1990 First paperback printing, August 1991 For William Patrick Contents The Mania.. -
Human Cryopreservation Procedures De Wolf and Platt
Human Cryopreservation Procedures de Wolf and Platt Human Cryopreservation Procedures By Aschwin de Wolf and Charles Platt Revision 10-Jan-2020 Copyright by Aschwin de Wolf and Charles Platt Page 1 - 1 Human Cryopreservation Procedures de Wolf and Platt Acknowledgments The authors and Alcor Life Extension Foundation wish to thank Saul Kent and Bill Faloon of the Life Extension Foundation, the Miller family of Canada, and Edward and Vivian Thorp as donors of the Miller/LEF/Thorp Readiness Grant to Alcor in 2008, which made this work possible. For assistance in compiling and verifying information, we are especially grateful to Hugh Hixon, Steve Graber, and Mike Perry at Alcor. We received additional help from Steve Harris at Critical Care Research, and Steve Bridge, formerly of Alcor. Their willingness to donate time to this project was much appreciated. Revision 10-Jan-2020 Copyright by Aschwin de Wolf and Charles Platt Page 1 - 2 Human Cryopreservation Procedures de Wolf and Platt How This Book Was Written Aschwin de Wolf wrote the first drafts of sections 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 18. Charles Platt wrote the first drafts of sections 4, 6, 9, 11, 12, 17, 19, and 20. Each section was then reviewed and edited by the other collaborator. Additional information was provided by Steve Bridge. Finally, working on behalf of Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Brian Wowk fact- checked and edited all of the chapters. He should not be held responsible, however, for any errors that remain. They are our responsibility. Information was gathered during several visits to Alcor Foundation where staff were very generous with their time. -
PINTS for PRESS Business Park in Scottsdale, Arizona, Offers Two Types of “Cryonic Suspension” Services: Full-Body for $200,000, and APRIL 24 Head-Only for $80,000
COVER STORY THEFROZEN FIGHT FOR THE ONE SON’S MISSION TO MAKE HIS DAD WHOLE AGAIN BY TYLER HAYDEN Dr. Laurence Pilgeram didn’t believe in heaven, but HEAD he did believe in life after death. In 1990, at the age of 66, Pilgeram signed a contract with the Alcor Life Extension Foun- dation to freeze his body upon his death with the hope that, decades or centuries from now, medical science would resurrect him. Alcor, headquartered in a sand-colored PINTS FOR PRESS business park in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers two types of “cryonic suspension” services: full-body for $200,000, and APRIL 24 head-only for $80,000. It’s a bargain for Dr. Laurence Pilgeram a shot at immortality. Clients typically pay by signing over their life insurance policies. The head-only option, the company This article’s author, Tyler Hayden, will explains, is the most cost-effective way When Kurt demanded to to preserve a patient’s identity; using know why his father’s whole body COURTESY discuss the reporting and writing of this story future nanotechnology, a new hadn’t been preserved, he received conflicting with editor Matt Kettmann on Wednesday, body might be grown around accounts from Alcor, according to court records. First, the the brain. But Pilgeram never company said Laurence’s body had decayed beyond saving. Then, it April 24, 5:30 p.m., at Night Lizard liked the idea of “Neurocryo- claimed he hadn’t kept up with his yearly $525 membership dues. Finally, preservation,” his family has it suggested the technicians didn’t want to wait for the permit necessary Brewing Company in the Santa Barbara said, so he chose “Whole-Body to transport a full body across state lines. -
“Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014
1 “Is Cryonics an Ethical Means of Life Extension?” Rebekah Cron University of Exeter 2014 2 “We all know we must die. But that, say the immortalists, is no longer true… Science has progressed so far that we are morally bound to seek solutions, just as we would be morally bound to prevent a real tsunami if we knew how” - Bryan Appleyard 1 “The moral argument for cryonics is that it's wrong to discontinue care of an unconscious person when they can still be rescued. This is why people who fall unconscious are taken to hospital by ambulance, why they will be maintained for weeks in intensive care if necessary, and why they will still be cared for even if they don't fully awaken after that. It is a moral imperative to care for unconscious people as long as there remains reasonable hope for recovery.” - ALCOR 2 “How many cryonicists does it take to screw in a light bulb? …None – they just sit in the dark and wait for the technology to improve” 3 - Sterling Blake 1 Appleyard 2008. Page 22-23 2 Alcor.org: ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ 2014 3 Blake 1996. Page 72 3 Introduction Biologists have known for some time that certain organisms can survive for sustained time periods in what is essentially a death"like state. The North American Wood Frog, for example, shuts down its entire body system in winter; its heart stops beating and its whole body is frozen, until summer returns; at which point it thaws and ‘comes back to life’ 4. -
Cause and Manner of Death
Cause and Manner of Death Cause of death is a medical opinion which is expressed in two parts. The first is a description of the condition or conditions which directly led to death. When multiple, they are listed in reverse chronological order. The first condition listed is the immediate cause of death, i.e. the condition which caused the individual to die at that time and in that place. The last condition listed is the proximate (or underlying) cause of death, i.e. the condition which started a chain of events leading to death. In some cases, these are one and the same—for example, “Toxic effects of cocaine”. More commonly, the chain has multiple links. For instance, if an individual suffered brain injury from a fall and, while bedridden and unconscious, developed pneumonia which led to death, his or her cause of death could be listed as, “Pneumonia, due to blunt force head trauma, due to fall.” The second part of the cause of death statement is a list of conditions which did not directly cause death but were contributing factors. For instance, the individual in the example above might have had severe emphysema and, because of this, have been at increased risk of developing pneumonia. Manner of death is a medicolegal determination that groups deaths into categories for public health purposes. It is based upon the proximate cause of death. In the example above, although the immediate cause of death was pneumonia, the proximate cause was a fall. Therefore, the manner of death is accident. An excellent description of the five commonly used manners of death is provided by the National Association of Medical Examiners: “Natural deaths are due solely or nearly totally to disease and/or the aging process. -
N E W S L E T T
PUBLISHED BY THE CRYONICS INSTITUTE ISSUE 03 | 2020 Cryonics insights and information for members and friends of the Cryonics Institute NEWSLETTER cryonics.org • [email protected] • 1 (866) 288-2796 CI BULLETIN I am proud to be a part of this history, and happy to report the Cryonics Institute continues to expand. Most notably, we are completing the improvements on our second facility. We are currently reviewing and finalizing plans to retrofit the facility with a bulk LN2 tank and insulated supply lines for the cryostats that will be used to store patients once the existing facility reaches capacity. On the financial front, the CI Board of Directors continues to monitor investments and operations to ensure the long term solvency of our organization. Despite challenges related to the covid epidemic, operations and patient care remain out- standing and have not slipped in the least. However, there are still some poor outcome situations that result directly from patient next of kin who are hostile to cryonics. Hello Everyone, In numerous issues of this magazine as well as in articles on our web site and our other social media venues we continue I hope you are all doing well during these trying times. With to stress the critical importance of identifying, planning and Covid, world politics, and a spattering of civil unrest it can be preparing for circumstances and situations that could cause a little depressing, but cryonicists are indeed a rare breed. a person to not be suspended. Historically, the two biggest We are known for thinking outside the box and rising above factors have been when family or friends actively block a any negative consensus. -
Preliminary Review on Excessive Heat Deaths
Preliminary Review on Excessive Heat Deaths Multnomah County June 2021 1 The heat dome that settled over Multnomah County and the Portland metro area from June 25 to June 28, 2021, created an extreme heat event that occurred both earlier in the summer, before residents naturally acclimate to warmer temperatures, and at a prolonged intensity never experienced before. High daytime temperatures reached triple digits for three days, peaking at 116º F at Portland International Airport on June 28, with little of the overnight cooling the region has historically depended upon. The magnitude of the heat was not just unprecedented for the temperate Pacific Northwest, but it also was exceedingly rare for most of the United States. This heat resulted in the deaths of at least 54 Multnomah County residents. Most of those who died were older, lived alone and had no air conditioning. Most were white, and most were men. While the County responded with the full set of public health interventions — intensive communication, outreach and public cooling spaces — we are humbled by the death toll and are committed to learning all we can about who succumbed and why. We also want to acknowledge the dedication of death investigators from the Multnomah County Medical Examiners Program who responded in person throughout this mass casualty event, then worked with Public Health to analyze and characterize what happened in order to share these findings with the community. The following report is a preliminary look at confirmed deaths due to hyperthermia (which literally means “excessive heat”). We expect numbers to change and our understanding of this event to evolve.