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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=7472