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Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cells were used in groundbreaking medical research without her knowledge or consent. Her story became widely known after the publication of the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot in 2010.
Henrietta Lacks was born on August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia, and later moved to Turner Station, Maryland. In 1951, at the age of 31, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. During her treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, a sample of her cancer cells was taken without her consent. These cells turned out to be highly unique and remarkable because they were the first human cells known to be able to survive and replicate indefinitely outside the human body. This property allowed researchers to use them for various medical experiments and studies.
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These cells, known as HeLa cells (named after the first two letters of Henrietta Lacks’ first and last names), became one of the most important tools in medical research. They have been used in countless scientific experiments, leading to significant advancements in fields such as cancer research, virology, and genetics. HeLa cells were instrumental in developing vaccines, studying the effects of radiation and toxins, and understanding the human genome.
Unfortunately, Henrietta Lacks never knew about the use of her cells or the significant contributions they made to science. She passed away on October 4, 1951, at the age of 31, succumbing to the aggressive form of cervical cancer.
In the years following the publication of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” there has been increased awareness of the ethical issues surrounding the use of her cells without informed consent. Efforts have been made to recognize Henrietta Lacks’ contribution to science and to address the concerns related to patient consent and medical ethics. Her story has also inspired discussions about the importance of acknowledging the contributions of marginalized communities to medical research and the need for equitable access to healthcare.
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