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As a fan of science fiction, I find it fascinating how certain authors look at effects different technologies have. One of my favorites, Lois Bujold does this alot with life sciences. I very indirectly got the idea for this question from her looking at life sciences in the future.
Imagine a scenario where a treatment is devised that extends the human lifespan by 250 %. Instead of living to an average of 75ish, the new average is 182ish. It does not make you old for a long time, it slows the rate you age, so now you look and feel young for much longer, then feel middle aged alot longer, and so on.
There is one problem with this treatment. In 50 % of the cases, it will render the person unable to have children. Half of women who undergo this treatment will become barren, half the men will have their sperm count drop to almost nothing. You can still have fun with sex, but their won't be any babies for 50 % of the people. Would you choose to have the treatment? I am further asking if you have children currently, wondering if that effects the results. Assume the treatment needs to be done at a young age()15ish maybe) to fend off the "I would have kids, then have the treatment".
Imagine a scenario where a treatment is devised that extends the human lifespan by 250 %. Instead of living to an average of 75ish, the new average is 182ish. It does not make you old for a long time, it slows the rate you age, so now you look and feel young for much longer, then feel middle aged alot longer, and so on.
There is one problem with this treatment. In 50 % of the cases, it will render the person unable to have children. Half of women who undergo this treatment will become barren, half the men will have their sperm count drop to almost nothing. You can still have fun with sex, but their won't be any babies for 50 % of the people. Would you choose to have the treatment? I am further asking if you have children currently, wondering if that effects the results. Assume the treatment needs to be done at a young age()15ish maybe) to fend off the "I would have kids, then have the treatment".