The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life Henrietta Lacks (cover)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a non-fiction book written by Rebecca Skloot. It was published in 2010 and explores the life of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, leading to significant scientific breakthroughs.

Background[edit | edit source]

Henrietta Lacks was born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1920. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. During her treatment, cells from her tumor were collected without her consent by Dr. George Otto Gey. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to be successfully cloned and have been used in numerous scientific research projects.

HeLa Cells[edit | edit source]

HeLa cells are a line of immortal cells that have the ability to divide indefinitely in a laboratory setting. They have been instrumental in various medical advancements, including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, and gene mapping. The use of HeLa cells has raised important ethical questions regarding informed consent and the rights of patients.

Ethical Issues[edit | edit source]

The story of Henrietta Lacks brings to light significant ethical issues in medical research. The lack of informed consent and the exploitation of her cells without compensation to her family have been subjects of debate. The book discusses the impact of these issues on the Lacks family and the broader implications for medical ethics.

Impact and Legacy[edit | edit source]

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks has had a profound impact on public awareness of medical ethics and the history of medical research. It has been adapted into a HBO film starring Oprah Winfrey as Deborah Lacks, Henrietta's daughter. The book has also led to increased recognition of Henrietta Lacks' contributions to science and has sparked discussions about the need for ethical standards in medical research.