Unconscionable stealing. A Henrietta Lacks story. Life-extending.

The Prompt

Imagine an invention that extends life and redefines humanity, unveiling unforeseen consequences.

There has never been a greater invention for humanity than Henrietta Lacks. She died very young, but not before leaving the world with the means to sustain human life for a very long time. It may be true that we all have a celestial purpose on earth, and when we have thoroughly and completely served that calling, our time is eclipsed. We then move on to another plane to continue our lifespan.

Lacks, 1920–1951, an African-American woman whose cancer cells are the source of the HeLa cell line, the first "immortalized" human cell and one of the most important cell lines in medical research history.

Lacks' cells revolutionized medical science, though she lived a modest life as a tobacco farmer and mother. In 1951, while being treated for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital, a sample of her tumor cells was taken without her knowledge or consent—a common practice at the time.

These cells, named HeLa cells, were found to have an extraordinary ability to divide indefinitely under laboratory conditions, making them "immortal". This unique property made HeLa cells invaluable for medical research, contributing to breakthroughs like the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and advancements in genetics and virology.

Henrietta's story highlights ethical issues in medical research, regarding consent and exploitation of marginalized communities. Her family learned about use of her cells decades later, sparking discussions about patients' rights and privacy.

Lacks was the unwitting source of the cells culture by George Otto Gey, who created the cell line known as HeLa, which is still used for medical research. As was then the practice, no consent was required to culture the cells obtained from Lacks.

HeLa cells went on to become a cornerstone of modern medicine, enabling countless scientific and medical innovations. Despite that incalculable impact, neither she nor her family had been compensated for the extraction or use of the HeLa cell.

Her legacy is a blend of scientific triumph, a call for justice and ensuring her contributions are remembered with respect and gratitude.

The Scientific Impact of HeLa Cells

HeLa cells are a cornerstone of modern medical research. Their ability to divide indefinitely under lab conditions has made them an invaluable tool for scientists. Major contributions include:

Polio Vaccine: HeLa cells were critical in developing the polio vaccine, helping researchers test its efficacy on human cells.

Cancer Research: These cells study cancer biology, leading to advancements in treatments and understanding tumor growth.

Gene Mapping: They contributed to our understanding of genetics, including chromosome mapping.

Space Research: HeLa cells were sent into space to study the effects of zero gravity on human cells.

Virology: They have been instrumental in studying viruses, including HIV and COVID-19.

Henrietta's story raises significant ethical questions:

Informed Consent: Her cells, taken without her knowledge or permission—would be unacceptable under modern ethical standards.

Exploitation: Despite the extensive use of HeLa cells, her family never profited, sparking debates about the exploitation of marginalized communities in medical research.

Recognition and Respect: For decades, her contributions were unacknowledged, it was much later that her story gained public attention, leading to demands for proper recognition and ethical accountability.

Henrietta's legacy spurred changes in research ethics, transparency, informed consent, and equitable treatment. Her story is now widely taught as a case study in medical ethics, ensuring that her name is remembered for the scientific progress her cells enabled, and for lessons learned about humanity and justice.

Finally...A legacy honored:

BALTIMORE (AP) — More than 70 years after doctors at Johns Hopkins Hospital took Henrietta Lacks’ cervical cells without her knowledge, a lawyer for her descendants said they have reached a settlement with a biotechnology company accused of reaping billions of dollars from a racist medical system.

It is extremely strange that I have spoken to nurses and hospital personnel, who have never heard of the woman who has been saving our lives for over a century.

++++

Henrietta Lacks' story is both extraordinary and deeply complex, yet her name isn't as widely recognized as it should be. Here are some reasons why:

Historical Context and Marginalization: Henrietta Lacks' HeLa cells, were taken without her consent in 1951. At the time, informed consent was not a standard practice, and systemic racism often marginalized the contributions and rights of Black individuals in science and medicine.

Focus on the Cells, Not the Person: The HeLa cells became a cornerstone of medical research, contributing to breakthroughs like the polio vaccine and cancer treatments. However, the scientific community often focused on the cells themselves, rather than the woman behind them.

Delayed Recognition: Henrietta's family only learned about the use of her cells in the 1970s, decades after her death. Public awareness of her story grew much later, particularly after the publication of Rebecca Skloot's book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks in 2010.

Ethical Overshadowing: The ethical controversies surrounding the use of her cells—such as the lack of consent and the exploitation of her family—have sometimes overshadowed her personal story and contributions.

Systemic Inequities: Broader societal issues, including racial and gender biases, have historically limited the recognition of contributions made by marginalized individuals.

Henrietta Lacks' story is a poignant reminder of the need for equity and recognition in science and medicine. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions about ethics, consent, and justice in biomedical research.

I call upon the memory of this immortal woman who, thanks to her, someone close to me has benefitted from her contribution to medicine, research, space travel and science on a very broad scale.

Thank you Henrietta. You live on in all of us.