Research Paper: Cryonics
Christian Cristurean
Mrs. Liftson
English, 4B
17 November, 2009
Research Paper:
The major reason that cryonics is not more favorably viewed in the medical community is relatively easy to explain. Medicine relies on clinical trials. Put more simply, if someone proposes a technique for saving lives, the response is "Try it and see if it works." Methods that have not been verified by clinical trials are called "experimental," while methods that have been tried and failed are rejected; Cryonics falls under this category. While some still believe Cryonics will preserve human life and restore health; I believe we can put are efforts and money into today’s medical field that we know for a fact will work. Does Cryonics really work? In my opinion, by my research I did; “No”. As asked in the article of (Cryonics). They don’t have a yes or no answer but are sure to jump ahead to the distant future. As stated by them when asked if Cryonics really works? They answered the question by this statement; “The clinical trials are in progress. Come back in a century and we 'll give you a reliable answer.” (Cryonics) With no evidence that Cryonics will work, it leads me to say that it’s a waist of time and money. Costs of cryonics vary greatly, ranging from $28,000 for cryopreservation by the Cryonics Institute, to $155,000 for whole body cryopreservation for the American Cryonics Society’s most expensive plan. Alcor’s whole body preservation is priced at $150,000 (or $80,000 for neuropreservation of the head alone) plus a ~$500 annual membership fee during life by Alcor. After payment of an initiaton fee, ACS full members pay an annual fee of $300 currently. To some extent these cost differences reflect differences in how fees are quoted. The Cryonics Institute fee doesn’t include “standby” (a team that begins procedures at bedside), transportation costs, or funeral director expenses outside of Michigan, which must be purchased as extras. CI Members wanting Standby and
Mrs. Liftson
English, 4B
17 November, 2009
Research Paper:
The major reason that cryonics is not more favorably viewed in the medical community is relatively easy to explain. Medicine relies on clinical trials. Put more simply, if someone proposes a technique for saving lives, the response is "Try it and see if it works." Methods that have not been verified by clinical trials are called "experimental," while methods that have been tried and failed are rejected; Cryonics falls under this category. While some still believe Cryonics will preserve human life and restore health; I believe we can put are efforts and money into today’s medical field that we know for a fact will work. Does Cryonics really work? In my opinion, by my research I did; “No”. As asked in the article of (Cryonics). They don’t have a yes or no answer but are sure to jump ahead to the distant future. As stated by them when asked if Cryonics really works? They answered the question by this statement; “The clinical trials are in progress. Come back in a century and we 'll give you a reliable answer.” (Cryonics) With no evidence that Cryonics will work, it leads me to say that it’s a waist of time and money. Costs of cryonics vary greatly, ranging from $28,000 for cryopreservation by the Cryonics Institute, to $155,000 for whole body cryopreservation for the American Cryonics Society’s most expensive plan. Alcor’s whole body preservation is priced at $150,000 (or $80,000 for neuropreservation of the head alone) plus a ~$500 annual membership fee during life by Alcor. After payment of an initiaton fee, ACS full members pay an annual fee of $300 currently. To some extent these cost differences reflect differences in how fees are quoted. The Cryonics Institute fee doesn’t include “standby” (a team that begins procedures at bedside), transportation costs, or funeral director expenses outside of Michigan, which must be purchased as extras. CI Members wanting Standby and
Cited: Cryonics." Http://www.free-articles-zone.com. Publishing Free Articles Zone, 15 July 2005. Web. 14 Nov. 2009. . (Cryonics)