X-Message-Number: 22454
From: "David Pizer" <>
Subject: Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003 05:46:59 -0700


There has been some discussion on this forum about whether CI will have to 
choose between UAGA and meeting funeral safety requirements.  I think they can 
do both at the same time.  

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The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) was first adopted in California in 1970 &
revised in 1988.  It applies to all or part of a human body "to take effect 
upon or after (the) death (of the donor).  The act allows a gift to a hospital 
or physician "for transplantation, therapy, medical or dental education, 
research or advancement of medical or dental science."


The UAGA seems to show that it is the donor of the body part, rather than the 
hospital or physician who received the part, who has the authority to designate 
the parameters of authorized use, the particular use to which the part may be 
put. 


When Alcor first moved to Arizona, Steve Bridge (then president)  and I (then 
v.p.) had meetings with the health officials.  Then we were told that we would 
(instead) be regulated under the funeral board.  We went to their meetings (as 
required) and told them that we realized they had a duty to regulate us (the 
duty being passed on to them from the health department) and that we respected 
their duty to protect the public health etc.


We also said that we had a duty to our members and patients to do the cryonics 
procedure the best possible (to offer the best possible chance of future 
revival),  and that we felt that a common ground could be worked out where they 
were able to do their duty to protect the public and we were able to do ours to 
the best interests of our members and patients.


They did come inspect us several times and each time Alcor was found to more 
than meet all their concerns.  After time, they became confident of our good 
intentions and our desire to help them protect the public.


Alcor uses the UAGA and still meets funeral board safety concerns.   I don't see
why CI won't come to the same situation.  I don't think getting along with the 
funeral board requires a company to give up using the UAGA.  The main purpose of
any funeral board is to protect the public interest.  I feel confident the 
people at CI can show the funeral board they are in compliance with any and all 
safety concerns, and still do cryonics as usual.


In the meantime, I feel that The Cryonics Institute has the best wishes and 
support of most everyone in this forum and that we are all willing to help them 
in any way possible, should they ever need it.

David Pizer


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