X-Message-Number: 658 Subject: CRYONICS - ACS and Alcor From: (Edgar W. Swank) Date: Tue, 25 Feb 92 12:32:40 PST I'm glad Michael Clive Price took time to explain, im msg 655, his remark quoted by Russell Whitaker (in msg 618). He writes: ACS/TT (and CI) don't offer neuro-suspensions, or are less than forthcoming about their stance, for publicity reasons. One day they're offering neuro-suspension. Next day they're not. Day after they are offering neuro only to existing members. Alcor has always offered the neuro option to its members. I checked with Jim Yount for ACS current policy. He said that he could not recall any time when ACS did not offer neuro suspensions. I've been around since ACS was founded in 1964. I can't recall that ACS ever refused to arrange a neuro suspension for anyone who wanted one. Certainly ACS current policies are to offer a maximum of choices to our members. We offer both whole-body and neuro suspensions. For neuro suspensions we additionally offer a choice of head-only or brain-only. Brain-only has the advantage of leaving an undecapitated corpse which can be given a conventional burial; this can mollify objections by relatives. For whole-body suspensions, members can select suspension and storage at Trans-Time, suspension at Trans-Time, storage at CI (at lower cost), or both suspension and storage at CI (lowest cost). ACS also offers and has arranged arctic burial in permafrost. One member, I'm told, has selected this as his primary option. Trans-Time's policy re the neuro option is, perhaps, not as "forthcoming". Jim says TT passed a corporate resolution some time ago which states that its official policy is that neuro suspensions are "offered but not promoted". [Art please review & correct if necessary]. It's been my and other ACS members impression that Alcor has not always offered whole body suspensions and still discourages its members from selecting the whole-body option. Michael and other Alcor members please correct if mistaken. Michael also wrote: My concern with any organisation running scared of the press/publicity is that it may choose to suppress negative data from its members. ACS/TT's attitude towards neuro-suspensions and publicity seems to be uncomfortably *close* to this position. Ever since its founding, ACS Board of Governors meetings have been open to the public (except for infrequent "executive sessions") and minutes of those meetings have been published to all members. These frequently include animated discussions of controversial topics. Recently I started posting minutes and meeting times and places here. Although I've seen minutes from some Alcor "chapters" here, I don't recall seeing any from Alcor/Riverside. Perhaps someone from Alcor would clarify if meetings of Alcor's governing body are public and if minutes are available. -- (Edgar W. Swank) SPECTROX SYSTEMS +1.408.252.1005 Silicon Valley, Ca Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=658