🧑🏽‍🔬history of science review

key term - Henrietta Lacks Case

Definition

The Henrietta Lacks case refers to the unethical collection and use of cancer cells from Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became a cornerstone of modern medical research and have contributed to numerous breakthroughs, raising significant ethical concerns about informed consent and the exploitation of marginalized individuals in science.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Henrietta Lacks' cells were taken during treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital without her knowledge or consent, which was common practice at the time.
  2. HeLa cells were the first human cells successfully cloned and have been used in groundbreaking research, including the development of the polio vaccine and cancer treatments.
  3. The case highlights systemic racism in medical research, as Lacks was a Black woman whose cells were used extensively while her contributions remained unrecognized for decades.
  4. In 2013, the National Institutes of Health announced a plan to involve the Lacks family in discussions about the use of HeLa cells, acknowledging their ethical significance.
  5. The Henrietta Lacks case has sparked broader discussions about patient rights and informed consent in medical research, influencing regulations and practices.

Review Questions

  • How did the collection of Henrietta Lacks' cells without her consent raise important ethical questions regarding informed consent in medical research?
    • The collection of Henrietta Lacks' cells without her consent raises crucial ethical questions because it highlights a significant violation of patient autonomy and rights. At the time, patients were often not informed about how their biological materials would be used, leading to exploitative practices, especially among marginalized groups. The case exemplifies the need for strict informed consent procedures to protect individuals from similar ethical breaches in medical research.
  • Discuss the impact that HeLa cells have had on scientific research and how this relates to ethical considerations surrounding their use.
    • HeLa cells have had a profound impact on scientific research, enabling major advances in various fields such as virology, genetics, and cancer treatment. However, the origin of these cells raises ethical considerations regarding the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks and others like her. Researchers have had to navigate the tension between the benefits provided by HeLa cells and the moral implications of their acquisition without consent. This duality has prompted ongoing discussions about ethics in medical research.
  • Evaluate how the Henrietta Lacks case has influenced current bioethical standards and practices related to human subjects in medical research.
    • The Henrietta Lacks case has significantly influenced current bioethical standards by underscoring the importance of informed consent and respect for individuals involved in medical research. It has led to stricter regulations aimed at protecting patients' rights and ensuring transparency in how biological materials are collected and used. The legacy of Lacks has spurred advancements in bioethics education and practice, highlighting the need for equitable treatment of all participants in research studies regardless of their background.

"Henrietta Lacks Case" also found in: