The Dangers and Realities of Cryonics and Delayed Embalming

It might seem like a straightforward process: paying for your body to be cryogenically frozen upon death. However, the intricacies and practicalities of such a plan can be quite complex, involving ethical and logistical challenges that many overlook. In this article, we will explore the realities of cryonics and the potential pitfalls of delayed embalming.

Who Will Know About My Frozen Body?

If you choose to pay for cryonics services, the most crucial aspect is who informs the cryonics company about your death. Your loved ones can play a significant role in ensuring that the process goes smoothly. However, the process is far from foolproof.

You could have a message tattooed on your body, but it might not be noticed or read until after the body has been transferred to a funeral home for embalming. And even if a message is discovered, the cost of freezing your body might still be simply too high for the embalmer to cover. Consequently, the company might decide to not freeze your body, opting instead to proceed with embalming, resulting in the eventual preservation of your body as a form of leather or jerky.

Alternatively, your loved ones can instruct various family members to call the cryonics company while you are on your deathbed. With clear instructions in place, your loved ones can alert the company, readying them to transport you immediately for freezing. However, this solution is not practical or uncomplicated, especially if the company demands payment and finds it too late to initiate the freezing process.

Is There Any Point in Being Frozen?

Even if your body is frozen, the apprehension is whether it would ever be rejuvenated. The process of freezing a human body destroys biological tissues at the cellular level, which means that the ice crystals within each cell expand and rupture cell walls. This irreversible damage means that even if a future technology were developed to regenerate these cells, it would be too late for your body.

The idea that a cryonics company could revive a person after death is popular in movies and science fiction but devoid of any scientific basis. The reality is that we do not possess the technology to freeze a body in a non-destructive manner, let alone the technology to rejuvenate or cure the person after revival.

Challenges of Future Societies

The vision of being revived and rejuvenated to live in a future society is complex and fraught with challenges. The world in 20 years may seem similar to today’s world, but subtle differences can be quite significant. Consider the technological advancements over the last 20 years, such as cell phones, electric cars, and self-driving cars. Even a transition of just 20 years would cause major adjustments for individuals today.

The societal and technological leap from even 100 years ago would be much more overwhelming. Imagine reintegrating into today's world from the 19th century. The technologies and social norms you might need would be entirely different and unfamiliar.

Even if you were to be revived, you would face significant hurdles. For instance, language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, and the lack of practical skills would make it difficult to integrate into society. Additionally, the psychological impact of being reintroduced to a world so different from the one you were born into would be significant. Most people might struggle with the sense of displacement and could find it unbearable to live in a future world that is vastly different from the one they knew.

Legal and Financial Considerations

From a legal and financial standpoint, the process of freezing and reviving a body is fraught with complications. Even if you instruct your loved ones to contact the cryonics company, the company might not have the resources to maintain your body for the necessary period. Moreover, if the company goes out of business or transfers the contract, getting a refund or compensation for the services already provided might be nearly impossible.

Legal avenues such as filing a lawsuit for fraud might seem promising, but the courts are unlikely to find in your favor. The cryonics industry is still in its experimental phase, and the courts are unlikely to provide financial compensation for the hope of future advancements that may never come to fruition.

Conclusion

The reality of cryonics involves many uncertainties and practical challenges that many people often overlook. The legal and ethical complexities, coupled with the high cost and potential disappointment, make it a highly dubious proposition. The best course of action is to rescind the contract and try to recover the money you have paid. However, given the current state of the industry, this is often an unrealistic expectation.

The decision to pursue cryonics should be made with full awareness of the potential risks and uncertainties. It is essential to consider the practical aspects and the psychological and social challenges that may arise from being cryogenically frozen. Perhaps the most sensible course of action is to focus on living a fulfilling life while considering more immediate and realistic options for your future.