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Ethical questions arose surrounding consent and ownership of cells from "summary" of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks' story has sparked a heated debate about the ethical implications of consent and ownership when it comes to cells. The issue revolves around the fact that Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, leading to questions about who actually owns these cells. Scientists and researchers have been able to make groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in medicine using Henrietta's cells, which have been reproduced and distributed to labs around the world. However, the lack of consent from Henrietta or her family raises concerns about the exploitation of her cells for profit. The concept of ownership becomes even more complex when considering the fact that Henrietta's cells have been commercialized and sold for profit without her family receiving any compensation. This raises questions about the rights of individuals over their own biological materials and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the medical research industry. The issue of consent is central to this ethical dilemma, as Henrietta was never informed about the use of her cells or asked for permission. This lack of transparency and respect for her autonomy has led to a broader discussion about the need for informed consent and the protection of patients' rights in medical research.
  1. The case of Henrietta Lacks highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the use of human biological materials for research purposes. It serves as a reminder of the need to uphold principles of respect, transparency, and justice in the pursuit of scientific progress.
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot

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