Summary Of Living Forever: The Ethical Implications Of Human Extension

Based on the article “Living Forever: The Ethical Implications of Human Extension” by Brad Patridge, it clearly shows that the idea of life extension technologies are unwelcomed by the author for he portrays life extension as a disruption to the systems of the society and an immoral act of defying nature. Although the author provided certain positive effects of life extension, he decided to focus more on the negative implications. I feel that there is a need to pursue life extension technologies as it is an individual’s choice to increase their own chances of survival. However, I do agree with the author that life extension has a high possibility of resulting in overpopulation. Life extension should be pursued but not hindered as it is our natural instinct to survive and it is our right to decide how long we want to live. Since the time humans had knowledge in the medical field, we have never stopped trying to delay death through surgical procedures, vaccinations or even medications developed with medical technologies. Therefore, life extension should not be taken as an attempt to go against nature
but another breakthrough in the medical field and an alternative to sustain life. If it is possible that a person can obtain both health and longevity through the further development of this technology, then it is irrational to prevent people from exercising their rights to be healthy when we have the existing ability and the technique. This scientific breakthrough should be accessible to the public and it is up to them to decide if they want an extended life span. Despite the fact that life extension seems like a live-saver, it may also result in conditions such as overpopulation, resource strain and pollution.
By the time life extension is commercialized, I believe health will be the main selling point in order for this technology to obtain profit. If only a small part of society can undergo this procedure, while some chose not to, overpopulation shouldn’t be an issue. However, if the price range of the procedure became affordable and accessible to most of the population, there will be a great increase in population as the birth rate exceeds the death rate and older women are able to reproduce. Although the strain of resources resulting from overpopulation might be controlled by future technological advancements, the environmental damage that is amplified is unlikely to be reversed due to the highly increased carbon
footprints. In all cases, it is unacceptable for an individual to decide on behalf of another, this situation can be prevented by the enactment of laws and regulations that prohibits a person from undergoing life extension procedures without the consent of the individual himself. Life extension technologies should be allowed as everyone has their rights to decide their future and prevent themselves from becoming physically ill. Current medical technologies such as life extensions are just like vaccines and surgical procedures in the past, when they were rather unpopular and unacceptable. However, by the time this technology is mastered and understood better, it will eventually become a social norm and a widely accepted scientific breakthrough.