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Henrietta's cells were used in research without her knowledge or consent from "summary" of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Henrietta Lacks never knew that her cells had been taken and used in research. She had no idea that the tiny sample of tissue taken from her cervix during a routine medical procedure would become one of the most important tools in medicine. Her cells, known as HeLa cells, were incredibly robust and multiplied at an astonishing rate, making them invaluable for scientific research. Scientists were able to grow Henrietta's cells in culture, something that had never been done before. This was a groundbreaking discovery that paved the way for numerous medical advancements, including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and in vitro fertilization. However, Henrietta herself was never informed about the use of her cells, let alone asked for her consent. The fact that Henrietta's cells were used without her knowledge or permission raises important ethical questions about consent and privacy. In the 1950s, when her cells were first harvested, there were no regulations in place to protect patients' rights regarding the use of their tissues for research purposes. Henrietta was a poor, Black woman who had limited access to healthcare and education, making her particularly vulnerable to exploitation. While Henrietta's cells have contributed to countless scientific discoveries and saved countless lives, the lack of informed consent is a troubling aspect of her story. It highlights the systemic inequalities and injustices that have long plagued the medical field, particularly when it comes to marginalized communities. Henrietta's legacy lives on through her immortal cells, but her story serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical considerations in medical research.
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