Henrietta Lacks

Definition

Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, leading to the creation of the HeLa cell line. This cell line has been pivotal in medical research and has contributed to numerous scientific breakthroughs, raising ethical concerns about consent, race, and medical experimentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Henrietta Lacks' cells were taken during a treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital without her consent.
2. The HeLa cell line became the first immortal human cell line, leading to major advances in medical research, including the development of vaccines and cancer treatments.
3. Her story raises important discussions about racial disparities in medical ethics and the exploitation of marginalized populations in scientific research.
4. The Lacks family was not informed about the use of Henrietta's cells for over 20 years, highlighting significant issues related to informed consent.
5. In 2013, the National Institutes of Health agreed to grant her family some control over access to the genomic data derived from her cells.

Review Questions

• How did Henrietta Lacks' case influence the conversation around informed consent in medical research?
  • Henrietta Lacks' case highlighted the ethical shortcomings regarding informed consent in medical research. Her cells were used without her knowledge or permission, which raised awareness about the necessity for clear and respectful communication between researchers and participants. This incident has led to stricter guidelines and regulations on obtaining consent, particularly for marginalized groups who have historically faced exploitation in medical settings.
• Evaluate the impact of HeLa cells on scientific advancements and discuss the ethical dilemmas associated with their use.
  • HeLa cells have had a profound impact on scientific advancements, playing a crucial role in developing vaccines, cancer treatments, and understanding various diseases. However, the ethical dilemmas associated with their use stem from the lack of consent from Henrietta Lacks and concerns regarding exploitation of African Americans in medical research. This juxtaposition of scientific progress against ethical considerations raises important questions about how society values individuals versus collective benefits derived from their biological materials.
• Analyze how Henrietta Lacks' story reflects broader issues of race and ethics in medical history.
  • Henrietta Lacks' story is emblematic of broader issues of race and ethics within medical history, particularly concerning the exploitation of African Americans. Her case underscores a legacy of distrust towards the medical establishment among minority populations due to historical injustices. The ethical implications surrounding her cells provoke ongoing discussions about equity in healthcare, informed consent practices, and the need for inclusive policies that respect all individuals' rights in scientific research.

Related terms

HeLa Cells: A continuous cell line derived from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells, known for their ability to divide indefinitely and used extensively in scientific research.

Informed Consent:

The process by which a patient is made aware of and agrees to the use of their biological materials for research purposes, highlighting ethical considerations in medical practices.

Bioethics: A field of study that examines the ethical implications of biological research and applications, particularly in relation to medical practices and human rights.