Henrietta Lacks
- After reviewing the extensive material on Henrietta Lacks, discuss your concerns if you were one of her children.
- How can research institutions protect and/or educate for the implications of her contribution to science?
- What is her legacy?
Sample Answer
If I were one of Henrietta Lacks’ children, my biggest concern would be the lack of consent in which her cells were taken. I would also be concerned about the fact that her family did not benefit from her contribution to science for many years.
Here are some specific concerns I would have:
- Lack of consent: Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken without her knowledge or consent. This is a violation of her autonomy and bodily integrity.
- Profitability: Henrietta Lacks’ cells, known as HeLa cells, have been used to develop many profitable products and treatments. However, her family did not benefit from this financially for many years.