X-Message-Number: 1315 From: Graham Wilson <> Date: Fri, 16 Oct 92 16:19:20 +0100 I've started working on th cryonics legal issues list. I thought people might be interested to read a few of the issues which I have listed so far... The following list aims to identify a number of significant legal issues, and to place them within a relevant context: (1) The right to cryonic suspension as an aspect of legally protected privacy and freedom of choice. (2) Cryonic medicine as controlled medical research. (3) Regulation of cryonics as a violation of international undertakings regarding the protection of life. (4) Regulation of cryonic research as a violation of international undertakings regarding scientific research and access to the benefits of science. (5) Cryonics and death registration and genetic recording, determining whether legal policy on registration seeks genealogical accuracy or serves goals of social intentions and appearances. (6) maintenance of and access to medical records of cryonic patients. (7) Blood, tissue and related testing of cryonic provisions and to determine the legal position of cryonic patients. (8) Wrongful life claims by cryonics patients alleging, for instance, negligence in the unfreezing or handling of cryonically stored objects. (9) "Dissatisfied life" claims by patients alleging, for instance, their reanimation was carried out at an inappropriate time. (10) Marital status requirements of cryonic patients and formal requirements for spousal consent. (11) Public policy considerations on whether cryonics should be limited to certain individuals or groups of individuals. (12) Termination of responsibilities of relatives / medical staff of cryonic patients. (13) Status of cryonic patient under intestacy law and general testamentary dispositions made by patients, relatives and beneficiaries. (14) Relatives rights after suspension to withdraw support / financial support or to prohibit certain types of cryonic procedure. (15) Professional misconduct of lawyers / doctors drafting cryonic agreements - If void against public policy. (16) Time when cryonic organisations assume custody of cryonic patient / loose custody of cryonic patient. (17) Standard of proof (if any ) required for un-suspension of cryonic patient. (18) Life and health protection, through such things as insurance policies. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=1315