Henrietta Lacks

Definition

Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent in 1951 during cancer treatment, leading to the creation of the HeLa cell line. These cells became one of the most important tools in medical research, significantly advancing biotechnology, while also raising crucial ethical issues surrounding consent, race, and medical experimentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, highlighting significant ethical concerns regarding medical practices at the time.
2. HeLa cells were found to be remarkably resilient and could replicate indefinitely, making them invaluable for research into diseases like cancer and AIDS.
3. The use of HeLa cells has contributed to numerous medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and advancements in gene mapping.
4. Henrietta's story brought attention to the racial inequalities in medical research, as her contributions were not recognized during her lifetime and her family was not informed about the use of her cells for decades.
5. The publication of 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot in 2010 brought global awareness to her story, sparking conversations about ethics in biomedical research.

Review Questions

• How did Henrietta Lacks's case highlight ethical concerns in biotechnology, particularly regarding consent?
  • Henrietta Lacks's case underscores significant ethical issues in biotechnology related to informed consent. Her cells were taken without her knowledge or permission, raising questions about patient rights and autonomy. This lack of consent not only violated her personal rights but also illustrated broader systemic problems within medical research practices, especially concerning marginalized populations.
• Discuss the impact that HeLa cells have had on scientific research and how this relates to the ethical considerations surrounding their use.
  • HeLa cells have revolutionized scientific research due to their unique properties, allowing them to grow indefinitely. This made them invaluable for various studies, including vaccine development and cancer research. However, their widespread use raises ethical considerations regarding ownership, consent, and the exploitation of individuals from marginalized communities, highlighting the need for stricter regulations in biotechnology.
• Evaluate the legacy of Henrietta Lacks in terms of both scientific advancement and ethical reform in biomedicine.
  • Henrietta Lacks's legacy is twofold: on one hand, she contributed significantly to scientific advancement through the HeLa cell line, which has been crucial in numerous medical breakthroughs. On the other hand, her story serves as a catalyst for ethical reform in biomedicine by exposing the exploitation faced by African Americans and underscoring the importance of informed consent. Her case has prompted changes in how patients are treated within medical research frameworks, aiming for greater respect for individual rights and transparency.

Related terms

HeLa Cells: The first immortal human cell line, derived from Henrietta Lacks's cervical cancer cells, used extensively in research and scientific advancements.

Informed Consent: The process of obtaining permission from a patient before conducting medical procedures or research, ensuring that individuals are aware of potential risks and benefits.

Biotechnology Ethics: The study of moral issues arising from biotechnological advancements, particularly in relation to human rights, consent, and the use of biological materials.