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.

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