HeLa to a new world where progress in science matches dignity for patient
Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman, unknowingly contributed to medical research through her immortal HeLa cells, which were taken without her consent in 1951. Despite the significant advancements in science made possible by these cells, Lacks and her family faced exploitation and poverty for decades. Recent legal settlements have brought some recognition and closure to her family, highlighting the importance of informed consent and ethical practices in biomedical research.
- ▪Henrietta Lacks' cells were taken without her permission in 1951, leading to significant advancements in medical research.
- ▪Her story remained largely unrecognized until the publication of Rebecca Skloot's book, which highlighted issues of consent and exploitation.
- ▪The Lacks family recently settled a lawsuit with Johns Hopkins, acknowledging the harm caused by the unauthorized use of her cells.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
They also serve science, who are not scientists. One of science’s most egregious instances of epistemic dominance, where a powerful institution overrode and exploited a marginalised individual - was Henrietta Lacks – donor of the famous, immortal HeLa cell line. Cells extracted from her, without permission, transformed medical research, but her story was ignored, erased and obscured for decades. The scientific world that generously used this unique cell line for successful research into virology, vaccines, genetics and even cancer care, but the erasure of the donor of those cells was historic in its completeness. Lacks, an African American tobacco farmer from southern United States, sought treatment at the ‘coloured ward’ in Johns Hopkins Centre for cervical cancer, way back in 1951.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu — Top
