The Case for Cryonics:
The central idea of cryonics is simple: if sufficient biological structure in dying patients can be preserved at low temperature today, then revival and rejuvenation by future medical technology is (in principle) possible. This proposition is based on diverse but solid evidence from the fields of neurobiology, low-temperature biology, and theoretical engineering.
We believe there is sufficient credible evidence to support the following assertions:
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Persistence of long term memory and personality does not require continuous brain function. Clinical experience demonstrates that memory and personality may be retained in persons who have had prolonged breaks in brain electrical activity.
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Ultra-Low Temperatures can preserve fine brain structure indefinitely if the brain is carefully preserved in the first place.
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Design outlines are already in place for cell repair technologies which could be used to recover patients retaining such brain structures, even if they are imperfectly preserved. Moreover, the development of these technologies appears
inevitable, given the continuing advances in methods for engineering at the molecular level.
Burial or Cremation assure as that we will never return. While cryonics can not guarantee revival after cryonic cryopreservation, the chances are far greater than if you are buried or cremated.
Our Group:
The New Zealand Cryonics Society is a organisation dedicated to assisting New Zealanders who wish to use cryonic cryopreservation as an option upon legal death, with its primary focus being basic preparation and transport assistance given to a cryonics patient and their cryonics cryopreservation provider in the United States. We are also dedicated to encouraging discussion and research in such areas as: Uploading, Euthanasia, All forms of Neuroscience, Basic life extension, Ideas such as Diet, Exercise and Supplementation, *Nanotechnology and *Extropianism.
Problems facing Cryonicists:
There is still a great deal of work to be done to perfect cryonic cryopreservation.
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1. The delay between death and cryopreservation is still too long. Warm Ischaemia causes considerable damage.
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2. Distance transportation of cryonics patient is still difficult.
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3. The cryonic organisations world wide lack size, so are unable to mount effective cryonics emergency rescue teams except in some areas.
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4. Ignorance or opposition from some in the community.
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5. Revival technology still in its theoretical and early experimental stage.
Cost:
The cost of whole body cryonic cryopreservation varies from $28000 (Cryonics Institute) USD to $120,000 USD (Alcor) +Transport costs. This sum is usually covered by life insurance. Added to the monetary cost is the cost of time, effort and a long term commitment.
