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The exploitation of Henrietta's cells raised questions about bioethics from "summary" of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The story of Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells, known as HeLa, has brought to light a number of complex ethical issues surrounding the use of human tissue in scientific research. Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, a common practice at the time but one that raises serious questions about the rights of patients to control what happens to their own bodies. The fact that Henrietta's cells have been used in countless experiments and medical breakthroughs without her or her family's permission has sparked a debate about the need for informed consent and the protection of patients' rights in the realm of medical research. The use of Henrietta's cells has also raised questions about the commercialization of human tissue. While Henrietta herself never saw any financial gain from the use of her cells, countless companies and researchers have profited immensely from their use. This has led to concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations for financial gain, as well as the need for regulations to ensure that patients and their families are not taken advantage of in the name of scientific progress. Another ethical dilemma highlighted by Henrietta's story is the issue of privacy and patient confidentiality. Henrietta's real identity was not revealed to the public until many years after her death, raising questions about the right of patients to have their medical information kept confidential. The disclosure of Henrietta's identity without her or her family's consent has sparked a conversation about the importance of protecting patients' privacy rights and the need for transparency in medical research.
  1. The exploitation of Henrietta's cells has forced us to confront some of the most pressing ethical questions facing the field of bioethics today. From issues of informed consent and patient rights to concerns about commercialization and privacy, Henrietta's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to prioritize ethics and human rights in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Rebecca Skloot

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