X-Message-Number: 7472
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 1997 20:48:09 -0500 (EST)
From: Robin Helweg-Larsen <>
Subject: Re: SCI.CRYONICS patients autopsied and preserved

Given that autopsies and MEs aren't going to go away even if cryonics were
to become commonplace, maybe we should develop a preferred protocol for
dealing with autopsies...

Perhaps an automatic transition to neuro from whole-body, built right into
the paperwork for all sign-ups; 
a procedure to allow a small sampling of brain tissue, without interfering
with or restricting the suspension process;
even an *automatic* sample of brain tissue taken, to obviate a possible
interruption of suspension;
a recognition by authorities that suspension proceed immediately, and that
some autopsy work could be done concurrently by the ME;
acceptance that even in the event of homicide or suicide, the wish to be
suspended should be honored *first*, because the stiff ain't going
anywhere fast;
in fact, as the body is to be suspended, the autopsy should be conducted
*after* reanimation.... (yeah, I'm kidding, but....)
if I have to have my brain examined post mortem, I'd prefer the ME take a
small slice only, allow the rest of it to be suspended, and return the
slice to my organization when finished with it.

If we could get clear procedures and guidelines worked out, it will be one
less roadblock that can be put up when the cryonics cases come to court
seeking statutory protection.

Always optimistically,

Robin HL


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