Frozen in Time: A Closer Look at Cryonics

Imagine a world where death isn't a final frontier, but a threshold to the unknown. This wild concept is at the heart of cryonics, a practice pushing the boundaries of medical science and challenging our understanding of mortality.

In this article, we will explore the frozen frontiers of cryonics and why individuals are entrusting their dreams of a future rebirth to this experimental technology.

What is Cryonics?

Cryonics involves the preservation of humans and animals at cryogenic temperatures, with the hope that future scientific advancements will be able to restore them to healthy living conditions and rejuvenate their bodies.

To undergo cryonics, one must have a legal death, as it is not yet a proven medical procedure. After death, a specialized team works to restore the circulation and respiration of the patient mechanically. Protective medicines are administered, and the subject is rapidly cooled to a temperature between 50º and 0°C (41–32°F).

The preservation process continues with the patient's blood being replaced with a cryoprotectant mixture. This helps prevent ice formation and minimize tissue structure changes. The patient is then cooled to a temperature below −120°C (–184°F), placing them in a state of cryostasis.

Why Do People Do It?

Cryonics totes the promise of a second chance at life, and people embrace that for many reasons. Whether it's to extend life expectancy or enjoy a healthier life once medical science advances, the appeal is evident. In fact, there are currently more than 200 individuals in stable cryonic suspension at the Cryonics Institute facility in Michigan, including the institute's founder, Robert Ettinger.

The critical question lies in the uncertainty of stage two: The reanimation of cryonics patients. The Cryonics Institute remains optimistic about the chances for revival. While acknowledging that nothing in the future is guaranteed, they believe in the realistic possibility of a successful revival, prompting them to forge ahead with cryonics. For those who embrace this speculative and bold endeavor, cryonics represents a leap of faith into the unknown, driven by the desire for a second chance at life and the belief that future science might hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of life after death.

How Much Does Cryonics Cost?

For members of the Cryonics Institute, the minimum fee for cryopreservation is $28,000. This fee includes vitrification and long-term storage, payable as a one-time sum at the time of death. However, financial logistics often involves a life insurance policy tailored to cover this cost. A term life insurance policy, typically around $30 per month for individuals starting their policy in good health at middle age, is commonly utilized to ensure that the Cryonics Institute fee is covered upon the member's passing.

It's important to note that this base fee covers the fundamental cryopreservation process. Additional expenses, such as transportation (which is not included in the base fee) or the services of a cryonics standby team for rapid cooling and cardiopulmonary support upon pronouncement of death, may require supplementary funding.

For individuals not affiliated with the Cryonics Institute, the cost for cryopreservation is higher, typically around $45,000.

Cryonics is a fascinating exploration into the intersection of science, philosophy, and the human quest for immortality. Whether it's a leap of faith or a calculated risk, those who choose cryonics are, in essence, placing their bets on the potential of a future where death is not the end but a temporary state — a pause button pressed in the hope of a remarkable future revival. Only time will tell if cryonics will remain a speculative venture or evolve into a groundbreaking chapter in the book of medical science.

References: Scientific Justification of Cryonics Practice | About Cryonics