I was wondering why there isn't more talk of cryogenics in a forum such as this. I'm sure there are plenty of topics related to cryogenics both directly and indirectly that very relevant to the topics that are generally discussed in this forum. Let's not let good minds go to waste.
The biggest reason why cryonics of living tissue has slowed or stopped in research is the fact that no one has come up with a reasonable method to produce an organic "anti-freeze" to prevent the formation of ice crystals which would destroy the specimens in question (whole humans and human parts for long term storage). It's not a bad idea, but it's not the best for long term survival of a specimen considering it's still its own form of death (your biological functions are shut down for the duration of cryonic suspension). Most life extensionists, like myself, are focused on biological preservation through regeneration and possibly cybernetics should regenerative processes fail. Ultimately, it's good that no one has put all their eggs in one basket on this one since no one procedure to ensure longer, healthier human lives is guaranteed to work. Getting through all those "wrong answers" is better than pissing away on one "wrong answer" for half a century when the next one could have been the "right answer."
"The power of liberty going forward is in decentralization. Not in leaders, but in decentralized activism. In a market process." -- liberty student
Earlier on the Cryogenics movement, bodies were donated and their relatives were expected to keep up regular payments. Obviously after a few years the next of kin stopped paying for the frozen stiff and they thawed out. Today the two organisations want cash up front before the customers body gets dumped in the freezer.
As for the legal ownership of the 'deanimated' patient (cryonicists word for dead guy), it belong the cryonics corporation as each member signs up for a whole body donation (much like people allow their bodies to be donated for medical students to disect.) The board of this corporation is elected by fee-paying Cryonics members.
The argument for the cryonics is that since the alternative is certain death - isn't it worthwhile taking the risk. However in my mind its a question of opportunity costs, what do I have to forgoe for this opportunity. My conclusion is I have better things to spend $35K+ on than a leap of faith, so unless the price comes down competitively in line with standard burial charges I'm donating my body to the worms.
It is interesting though that a great deal of Cryonicists are libertarians.