The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks: Tracing the Legacy of Immortal Cells
Published in 2010, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot tells the story of a woman whose cells unknowingly played a key role in scientific breakthroughs. Henrietta Lacks was a poor African-American woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951, but her cells – known as HeLa cells – live on to this day, continuing to be used for research in laboratories around the world.
The Story of Henrietta Lacks
Henrietta Lacks was born in 1920 in Virginia, and she grew up working on a tobacco farm. She married her husband, David, and together they had five children. In 1951, Henrietta went to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore for treatment of cervical cancer. During her treatment, a sample of her cancer cells was taken without her knowledge or consent.
Remarkably, Henrietta’s cells continued to grow and multiply outside of her body, a phenomenon that had never been seen before. Scientists discovered that her cells were immortal – they could divide indefinitely and were able to be used for a wide range of experiments. HeLa cells have been instrumental in the development of vaccines, cancer treatments, and in understanding the human genome.
The Impact of HeLa Cells
HeLa cells have been used in countless scientific studies and experiments, leading to numerous breakthroughs in medicine and biology. For example, they were used to develop the polio vaccine in the 1950s, and they have been crucial in the study of cancer, AIDS, and many other diseases. HeLa cells have also been used to test the effects of radiation, toxins, and drugs.
However, the story of Henrietta Lacks and her cells is not just one of scientific discovery. It is also a story of ethics, consent, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. Henrietta’s cells were taken without her knowledge or permission, and her family was not informed about their use for many years. The Lacks family did not receive any compensation for the use of HeLa cells, and they continue to grapple with the legacy of Henrietta’s unwitting contribution to science.
Rebecca Skloot’s Investigation
Rebecca Skloot first learned about Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells while she was in high school, and she became fascinated by the story. Skloot spent over a decade researching the book, interviewing members of the Lacks family and delving into the history of medical research and ethics. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is both a biography of Henrietta and a meditation on the complex relationship between science and ethics.
In writing the book, Skloot aimed to give Henrietta Lacks the recognition she deserved and to shed light on the ethical issues surrounding medical research. Skloot’s work has sparked a wider conversation about informed consent, patient rights, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of marginalized communities to scientific progress.
The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks
The story of Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells continues to resonate today, nearly 70 years after her death. The use of HeLa cells has raised important questions about privacy, consent, and the commercialization of human tissues. The Lacks family has also been thrust into the spotlight, with many members speaking out about their experiences and demanding recognition for their mother’s contributions to science.
Efforts have been made to address the ethical issues raised by the story of Henrietta Lacks. In 2013, the National Institutes of Health reached an agreement with the Lacks family to give them more control over how HeLa cells are used in research. The agreement also established a committee to review applications for the use of HeLa cells and to ensure that the family’s wishes are respected.
Overall, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the intersection of science, ethics, and race. Henrietta Lacks may have died in 1951, but her cells live on, continuing to make important contributions to medical research. Her story serves as a reminder of the need to acknowledge the individuals behind scientific breakthroughs and to ensure that their rights and dignity are respected.
Conclusion
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is a compelling and deeply moving account of one woman’s unwitting contribution to science. Henrietta Lacks may have been forgotten by history, but her cells continue to be used in laboratories around the world, advancing our understanding of disease and unlocking new treatments.
The story of Henrietta Lacks is a reminder of the complex ethical issues surrounding medical research and the importance of informed consent. By telling Henrietta’s story, Rebecca Skloot has brought attention to these issues and sparked a wider conversation about the legacy of HeLa cells and the rights of patients and their families.
Henrietta Lacks may have passed away over half a century ago, but her legacy lives on in the immortal cells that bear her name. The story of Henrietta Lacks is one that will continue to inspire and provoke thought for years to come.