X-Message-Number: 4509
From: Peter Merel <>
Subject: CRYONICS Euthanasia
Date: Wed, 14 Jun 1995 23:47:28 +1000 (EST)

Brad Templeton writes,

>I would certainly hope that nobody combines cryonics and euthanasia.

I should hasten to say that I'm not advocating such a combination - even
if it were demonstrated that it resulted in a better state of preservation,
the controversy that Brad identifies could set the cryonics community back
dramatically. However I think that the cryonics providers must establish 
their positions here. 

Why? Now that there's a place on the planet where voluntary euthanasia
is practicable, there are people who will want to take advantage of it,
and of cryonic preservation. At one stage Thomas Donaldson was seeking
permission for euthanasia with subsequent suspension. Even if Thomas is
no longer seeking to do this, it's something that someone will soon want
to do. It would be only natural for a cryonicist who suffers a disease that 
might destroy the brain.

So the question remains. What sorts of procedures should best be employed
when such cases arise, and will any of the suspension providers seek to
employ them in Australia?

>But if they think it's a false hope -- and they do think that -- they will
>never tolerate somebody trading life for what they are sure is quackery.

Under the NT legislation, you can only obtain permission for euthanasia if
you have two medical opinions that you will die within twelve months. You 
may then obtain assistance from any medical staff you choose, so long as they 
are willing to help.

So there won't be anyone "trading life for quackery" - no one will be
euthanased unless they're already dying. 

>It sounds like the surest way to get the selling of cryonic procedures banned.

By all means let's be careful to avoid any controversy with this, but let's
not be stupid about it. Are you advocating a blanket ban by suspension 
providers on treating clients who have been euthanased? I doubt that they'd
comply, particularly in the cases of patients who are already signed up
and paid up. So this brings us back to Doh: How should a combination be
performed, and who will offer to perform such a combination?

--

Internet:           |         Accept Everything.            |

http://www.usyd.edu.au/~pete/          |         Reject Nothing.               |


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