Cremation: DNA preserved before funeral for genetic preservation, immortality. We do genetic DNA preservation, and immortality, before funeral cremation. See us for DNA preservation, then cremation.
Home Page Our Mission Investor Information Company News Reserve a Share of Eternity FAQ GENTERNITY'S SERVICES The main services to be provided by Genternity (when operations begin) will include: Collection and preservation of genetic tissue. Collection and preservation of biographical data. Hosting of permanent memorial websites. In addition, Genternity will offer a comprehensive funeral service program that includes all standard funeral home services and cremation of the physical remains. Genetic samples are collected by appointment at a place and time convenient to the subscriber. Under normal circumstances, the genetic sample can be extracted up to several days after the subscriber has died. The samples are shipped to and stored, in duplicate, at two genetic conservatories (Genternity Hall I and Genternity Hall II). Biographical data are collected via the internet and are incorporated into a comprehensive memorial website, which Genternity maintains forever. SERVICE OPTIONS AND FEES Option A For a total one-time fee of $4500, Genternity provides a comprehensive funeral service program that includes: collection and permanent preservation of genetic tissue collection and permanent preservation of biographical data publication of a permanent memorial website cremation of the physical remains provision of a traditional ceramic urn to hold the ashes of the deceased traditional funeral home/visitation services and all standard transportation logistics Option B For a total one-time fee of $2500, this option includes: collection and permanent preservation of genetic tissue collection and permanent preservation of biographical data publication of a permanent memorial website Option C For a total one-time fee of $500, this option includes: collection and permanent preservation of biographical data publication of a permanent memorial website Children's Option For all children under the age of 14 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, or who have recently died, Genternity offers, free of charge, the set of services as listed in Option B (see above). High Net Worth (HNW) Option For individuals of high net worth ($1 million or more), Genternity recommends a fee structure commensurate with their financial means. However, participation in this program is completely voluntary. Any income derived from the HNW option in excess of the base fee is designated for the Genternity Foundation. The Genternity Foundation sponsors research in the life sciences and supports certain philanthropic causes, particularly in connection with the welfare of children. RETURN TO TOP OF PAGE At this time, Genternity accepts reservations in order to determine the extent of interest in its services. Any information you submit is considered absolutely confidential. Your identity will never be disclosed to anyone outside the company without your written consent. By submitting the information requested in the accompanying form, it is understood that you are not, in any way, committing yourself to purchase any products or services from Genternity, not now or ever. If and when it is determined that enough interest exists to sustain a viable business, then, and only then, will the company be in a position to begin providing its genetic and biographical preservation services. When operations begin, all reservations will be honored in the order in which they are received. FAQ | Home | Our Mission | Services and Fees | Investor Information | | Company News | Reserve a Share of Eternity | 1. Why should I decide to have my DNA or that of a loved one preserved forever? Please consider very carefully the implications of your decision. An individual's DNA is the precious seed from which an identical individual can be fully replicated. In other words, a complete copy of the individual is inherent in the DNA. According to current research, much of the individual's basic psychological profile is also inherent in the DNA. As long as the DNA seed is preserved, the potential is there for recreating an exact living copy of the individual. On the other hand, to refuse the option of DNA preservation is to decide, once and for all, to erase the individual's unique blueprint. The decision is final and irreversible. Today the whole idea of DNA preservation remains mired in controversy linked to the question of human cloning. Genternity respects the ethical concerns of those who oppose the possibility of human cloning, and, as long as the ethical issues remain unsettled, Genternity does not advocate the practice. However, history teaches us that cultural and ethical norms tend to change dramatically over the centuries. It is almost certain that eventually these ethical issues will be completely resolved and that, ultimately, as in the past, whichever options are scientifically feasible, socially benign and conducive to human happiness will prevail. 2. In what respects is Genternity's genetic preservation service different from the services offered by other firms in the DNA storage and profiling business? Genternity's mission is to serve humanity's interest in immortality. Permanent preservation of DNA is one aspect of that mission. Other firms offer DNA preservation for a completely different purpose, usually in order to perform DNA profiling for medical reasons. Their period of preservation is usually limited to less than 100 years (50 years in most cases). By contrast, Genternity does not perform any tests or experiments on the DNA samples and Genternity's promise of preservation is eternal. 3. Where are the genetic samples kept and how are they preserved? The genetic samples are stored under conditions of extreme low temperature in two locations called "genetic conservatories". Current plans locate Genetic Conservatory I in western Maryland (Genternity Hall I) and Genetic Conservatory II in northern Arizona (Genternity Hall II). Every genetic sample is evenly split between both sites. The purpose of duplication is to minimize threats of damage from natural or man-made hazards. A rigorous regime of continuous security is maintained at both sites. 4. What is involved in the process of taking my genetic sample? The normal procedure involves a brief visit by one of our "field technicians". The time and place of the visit is set at the client's convenience. The extraction procedure is simple and virtually painless. Through a tiny puncture in the skin, a small sample of blood is drawn. 5. What are the professional qualifications of a "field technician"? Every field technician is a certified phlebotomist, meaning that he or she has received rigorous training in the procedures of extracting, handling and preserving blood samples. 6. Can the genetic sample be taken after the subscriber has died? Yes. The procedure should be performed as soon as possible after the subject has been pronounced dead. Up to one week is considered safe. After one week, a sample can be accepted for preservation only if it tests positive for enough intact DNA. 7. Can I initiate a subscription for someone other than myself? Yes. You can initiate a subscription on behalf of any other person, alive or dead, so long as you yourself are willing and able to pay the fee. Genternity regards the subscription as belonging to the person named as the subscriber, which may be different from the person paying the fee. Keep in mind, therefore, that, unless you are a legal representative, custodian or caregiver of the subject, then you may have no legal right to determine what goes into the memorial website, nor to authorize the extraction of a genetic sample. As long as the person named as the subscriber is alive, mature and mentally well, then only he or she has the authority to determine if, how and when to utilize the subscription. The person may even decide to cancel the subscription, in which case the fee is not refundable. If the person named as the subscriber is alive but incapacitated, then only a legally valid representative, such as a close relative or caretaker, is authorized to supply biographical data for the memorial website and to authorize the extraction of a genetic sample. If the person is already dead, and if, after due diligence, a legal representative of the person's legacy or estate can be found, then that representative must be consulted before any action can be taken with regard to building a memorial website or submitting any genetic material. If you try to initiate a subscription for someone who is already a registered subscriber, Genternity will alert you to the fact and will decline to accept your application. Genternity does not recommend initiating subscriptions for persons under the age of 25, unless a significant risk of premature death has been identified. 8. Can I initiate a subscription for someone who is deceased? Yes. If the person has been dead for some time, then it may no longer be feasible to obtain a viable genetic sample, in which case, only the memorial website option is recommended. For more information, please read the responses to FAQ #3, 4. 9. Can a subscription designated for one person be transferred to a different person? No. The person designated as the original subscriber retains sole and permanent ownership of the subscription. He or she must either utilize it or cancel it. 10. Can I upgrade my subscription from Option C to Option B, or B to A? Yes. You may, at any time, upgrade from Option C to Option B or from Option B to Option A by paying the fee difference between the two options. For instance, the fee difference between Option C and Option B is $2500-$500=$2000. 11. Can I initiate a subscription for my pet dog (cat, chimp, lizard, etc.)? No. Genternity does not host subscriptions except on behalf of human subjects. 12. What will become of my genetic sample in the distant future? There will come a time when space travel is considered commonplace. When that time comes, the genetic archives will be transferred to a remote orbit of the solar system. Protected by natural temperatures close to absolute zero, the genetic samples will persist and remain viable for millions of years. Return to top of page 13. How can I be sure that my genetic sample will not someday be used for experimental or evil purposes? Genternity's charter prohibits the unauthorized release to any person or entity of any information or physical material belonging to any of its subscribers. Every possible safeguard will be implemented to protect the archives from any threat of abuse. 14. How much control, if any, do I have over what will happen to my genetic sample? You can formulate your wishes and record them for eternity, but there can be no guarantee that future generations will honor them. As part of your subscription, Genternity provides a detailed questionnaire, called the Record of Intent, through which you can specify what actions, if any, can be performed on your genetic sample. For instance, it is conceivable that someday the means will exist to clone your identical twin from your genetic sample, and that the practice will be considered technically routine and culturally benign. A specific section of the Record of Intent permits you to select this option and to specify the conditions under which you would consent to have it take place. Genternity will see to it that your wishes are fulfilled, cultural norms permitting. If, for some reason, you decline to complete your Record of Intent, then, by default, it is understood that nothing whatsoever is to be done with your genetic sample. Genternity is committed to safeguarding and preserving the sample ad infinitum. As long as you are alive, you, or your authorized representative, may modify the terms of your Record of Intent. After you die, your Record of Intent is considered immutable for all time. 15. What kind of information can I upload to my memorial website and who will have access to it? Any kind of information that can be transmitted over the internet is acceptable. The information is stored in two categories: public and restricted. Public information is accessible to anyone who visits your memorial website. Restricted information is accessible only to you (password required) and to authorized employees of Genternity. It is up to you to decide which items are to be classified as public and which items are to be classified as restricted. However, Genternity reserves the right to refuse to display for public viewing any items, including hyperlinks, which feature or point to unlawful, vulgar or obscene material. The restricted information is not edited for content except to scan for possible viruses and other malignant executables. Through your Record of Intent you may specify what, if anything, can be done with the restricted information. 16. Why do the preservation services cost so much? Since Genternity's services are new to the public and untested in the marketplace, it is somewhat difficult, at first, to ascribe a monetary value to them. On the one hand, the fees must not be so high as to be unaffordable to the average consumer. On the other hand, the fees must be high enough to reasonably assure that Genternity's operating expenses will continue to be funded into the distant future. However, it may come as a surprise to learn that the cost of the Genternity Funeral Program (Option A) is actually lower than the average cost of a funeral in the USA. See http://www.nfda.org/resources/99gpl.html or http://www.aarp.org/confacts/money/funeral.html. 17. Why does the memorial web-page option cost so much, when I can simply post my web-page elsewhere for free? When you post your web-page somewhere "for free", you should be aware that the arrangement is not intended to be a permanent one. Online communities which feature "free" web-hosting are there mainly to serve as customer bases for the sponsoring companies. Clearly a sponsoring company cannot continue indefinitely to sponsor an online community "for free" if the cost of maintaining the service exceeds the revenue generated by the customer base. By contrast, everything about Genternity is carefully engineered to withstand the test of time. The memorial website fee is commensurate with the projected cost of maintaining the website ad infinitum, long after you pass away. Return to top of page 18. Why should the fee (in the HNW Option) depend on net worth? By virtue of its unique mission, Genternity is in an ideal position to provide a morally responsible contribution to society. Thus Genternity views itself as both a commercial enterprise and a philanthropic organization. For instance, Genternity's services are offered free of charge to all children under the age of fourteen who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. In view of Genternity's unique mission, certain moral principles can be invoked to justify the practice of asking wealthier subscribers to pay higher fees. However, Genternity does not believe in dictating moral principles to anyone. Thus the higher fees are only suggested, not required. On a more pragmatic level, it is clearly in the best interest of all, poor and rich alike, if wealthier subscribers choose to pay the higher fees, since the company's ability to survive into the distant future is contingent upon its financial strength. 19. Can I choose to subscribe to the Genternity's services for the regular fee even if my net worth exceeds $1,000,000? Yes. The decision is entirely up to you. As a rule, Genternity does not probe into the financial status of its subscribers. However, should you decide to pay the suggested fee in accordance with the net worth formula, our subscriber service representatives can assist you with the calculation. The calculation is based on the net worth figure that you propose. Genternity will not question the figure, nor ask you to justify it. 20. Do I have to pay the fee in one big lump sum or is there an alternative? A number of payment options are available. For a small finance charge, the fee can be spread out in equal monthly installments over a period of up to five years. 21. Does GENTERNITY also provide human cloning services? No. Genternity does not have the resources to provide such services. Currently, Genternity's interest in this question is limited only to basic research. However, it is not inconceivable that at some point in the future Genternity may adopt an active role in providing or facilitating such services, cultural conditions permitting and the appropriate methodologies having been perfected. Subscribers interested in this possibility should specify their wishes under the appropriate section of the Record of Intent. 22. In what ways would my genetic twin be identical to me? Your genetic twin would be physically indistinguishable from you. The preponderance of scientific evidence, based on studies of identical twins raised apart, strongly suggests that your genetic twin would manifest much of your basic psychological profile as well. The question of the extent to which your genetic twin would be identical to you in character, intelligence and temperament is at the heart of a famous controversy, known as the "nature versus nurture controversy". 23. Would my genetic twin possess (manifest) the same soul as me? It depends on what you mean by "soul". If by "soul" you mean a certain quality of character distinguished by certain tendencies of behavior such as empathy, generosity, creativity, imagination, intuition, spirituality, aesthetic sensibility and the like, then the answer is probably closer to yes than to no. But if by soul you mean some kind of volitional entity whose attributes supercede the physical realm, then the answer cannot be determined by any set of objective criteria. Return to top of page 24. Would it be possible to transfer the elements of my personal consciousness (memories, attitudes, etc.) to my genetic twin? More generally, it can asked if the memories and motivations of one person can be transferred to another so that the other person experiences them exactly as if they were his/her own. The prevailing view of science is that any conceivable process is possible so long as the laws of physics are not violated. Unfortunately, at this time, virtually nothing is known about the phenomenon of consciousness and its relation to the observable physics of cerebral functioning. Therefore, perhaps because of our present ignorance, the possibility remains open that sometime in the future the means will be found to accomplish remarkable feats of "psycho-engineering" such as "mind modeling" and "mind uploading". 25. What other activities besides genetic preservation and memorial website hosting is GENTERNITY involved in? Genternity aspires to become the leading global enterprise in the fields of biological and biographical immortality. Genternity aspires to embrace all scientific endeavors which show promise of yielding results in these fields. Thus Genternity is committed to a vigorous program of research and development spanning a variety of special initiatives, including: 1) research on the biology and biochemistry of aging 2) research on the nature of consciousness 3) research aimed at distinguishing the roles of nature versus nurture in shaping specific psychological traits 4) research on artificial intelligence 5) research aimed at developing synthetic models of tissue and artificial organs 6) research on principles and methodologies of cloning 7) seminal research on emerging ideas and new frontiers such as the concepts of "artificial life", "artificial chromosomes", "mind modeling" and "mind-uploading". Genternity is also deeply committed to specific philanthropic causes, especially in connection with the welfare of children. Genternity aspires to attain a leading role as a sponsor of research on childhood diseases and childhood mortality. Genternity's ultimate goal, shared by all humanity, is to vanquish mortality to the highest extent possible within the bounds of science and technology. 26. How can I make an investment in GENTERNITY LLC? As a private company, Genternity is not in a position to accept investments from the general public. However, if you are an accredited investor, you may wish to direct your inquiries to Inquire@Genternity.com. END FAQ Last updated 05/20/01 Return to top of page This page is best viewed through a Java enabled browser. Click
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Cremation: DNA preserved before funeral for genetic preservation, immortality. We do genetic DNA preservation, and immortality, before funeral cremation. See us for DNA preservation, then cremation.