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Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her consent in 1951, leading to the creation of the first immortal human cell line, HeLa, revolutionizing medical research. 1950s saw the scientific community stand at the edge of a medical breakthrough but one discovery would surpass all expectations and have a lasting effect on biomedical research. At the core of this revolutionary change lay Henrietta Lacks, an African American girl whose cells became one of the most important tools in medicine.
On August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia, then Loretta Pleasant was born Henrietta Lacks. During her early years she lived with her grandfather at Clover in Virginia following her mother’s death during childbirth; this meant that like other rural black families in segregated South life for Henrietta was characterized by hard labor. In search of greener pastures around Baltimore’s steel mills, Henrietta moved to Turner Station Maryland with her husband David Lacks.
In January 1951 as a result of severe abdominal pain and unusual vaginal bleeding she had experienced Henrietta visited Johns Hopkins Hospital where Black patients were allowed to be treated since it was the only such facility within proximity. On examining her Dr. Howard Jones who happened to be on call gynecologist discovered a big malignant tumor at her cervix. She had cervical cancer which is very serious condition demanding immediate and aggressive treatment.
At Johns Hopkins Hospital during her treatment period Dr George Gey, head of tissue culture research took some cells from her tumor without letting or asking for permission from Lacks herself as we find out later in this chapter. It was common practice then to collect tissues samples from patients without their knowledge when they underwent procedures thus Dr Gey wanted to generate self-sustaining cells that could survive outside human body something that scientists had struggled with for years.
Remarkably enough HeLa cancer cells did not just survive but thrived unlike ordinary cells that die after division which is specified by chromosomes crossing over each other leading to cell multiplication being stopped because DNA sequence is disrupted. Thus her cells, HeLa (an abbreviation for Henrietta’s two names’ initials), were the first immortalized human cell line that would continue growing in culture.
Medical research was transformed by HeLa cells. Experimentation that was not possible before became possible due to their unique traits.
To this day, ethical questions surrounding Henrietta Lacks’ consent-less use of her cells reverberate through medical research today with significant implications on public health too.
Lacks never knew when her tissues were being harvested neither did she give any permission for that matter while it was still common practice at the time but it is considered unethical now
Henrietta’s cells were used widely without her family’s knowledge until the 1970s. The Lackses got nothing despite companies making money from HeLa cells.
This story about Henrietta demonstrates the exploitation of African Americans in medical research, which represents broader societal problems related to racism and inequality.
In the 1970s, the Lacks learned that the scientists were studying their mother’s genetic material. This knowledge led to a fight for recognition and justice. It was not until Rebecca Skloot published “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” in 2010 that this narrative became popularized. Skloot’s book brought global attention to Henrietta’s contributions as well as to ethical questions it posed around her cellular use.
The legacy of Henrietta Lacks is now world-renowned. The Henrietta Lacks Foundation was formed by members of the family with an aim at supporting persons who have contributed to science without gaining anything. She has been remembered through memorials, scholarships, and symposia organized by Johns Hopkins University and other institutions.
Henrietta Lacks’ story is one of remarkable scientific achievement juxtaposed against deep ethical quandaries. Her HeLa cells have saved countless lives and advanced our understanding of biology and medicine. In our continued utilization of her cells, it is important that we remember Henrietta Lacks so that her life may stand as a touchstone for ethics within medical research.
Henrietta Lack’s contribution to science stands testimony to how one person can influence the course of humanity in unexpected ways. They are constant reminders that ethical conduct must never be compromised while pursing scientific enlightenment on individuals or subjects pertaining science itself.
