Happy Black History Month!
Let me preface this content by letting you know that I have worked in the medical field my entire career and sold the vaccine that was discovered thanks to her. The book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" is, to this day, one of my all-time favorites! That is why I chose to recognize her during Black History Month. I hope you enjoy the article below on her. Check out the book: https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Life-Henrietta-Lacks/dp/1400052181. There is also a movie. Totally worth the read or watch!
Henrietta Lacks: Henrietta Lacks left an enduring legacy of generosity that transformed medical research.
- During Black History Month in February, we celebrate African American contributions to society and uncover lesser-known historical narratives. The remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks stands out because her life and legacy profoundly influenced the medical field and ethical practices in scientific research.
The Life of Henrietta Lacks
On August 1, 1920 a child named Henrietta Lacks entered the world in Roanoke, Virginia as the daughter of Johnny and Fannie Lacks. When Henrietta Lacks turned four her mother died and her siblings stayed with their maternal grandfather in Clover, Virginia. Living in a rural area offered few educational opportunities especially for Black students so Henrietta completed her education by the sixth grade.
She married David Lacks, whom she knew since childhood, when she was 20 years old. They lived together in Baltimore, Maryland. The couple raised five children.... Lawrence, Elsie, David Jr., Deborah and Zachary. While living in the difficult neighborhood of Turner Station in Baltimore, Henrietta showed remarkable strength as she worked as a domestic worker in a tobacco factory despite financial difficulties.
Her bond with her family and community formed the core of who she was. Their church served as a critical support system in her life because it gave her strength through difficult times. In January 1951 when she was 31 years old she went to Johns Hopkins Hospital to seek treatment for persistent pain and an unusual growth transforming medical research forever. (The book and movie will go into more detail about her husband's part in her illness)
The Impact of HeLa Cells on Medicine
Doctors extracted tumor cells from her during cervical cancer treatment without her knowledge or consent because this practice was standard then, especially for marginalized patients. What followed was revolutionary: HeLa cells which originated from her, were the first human cells to thrive and multiply endlessly in laboratory conditions. The breakthrough enabled HeLa cells to become essential tools for various scientific breakthroughs in medical research.
The medical field gained immensely from Henrietta Lacks' contributions. HeLa cells facilitated significant advancements in several areas:
1. Cancer Research: Scientists utilized HeLa cells as a model to study cancer biology and to develop treatments while testing new drugs.
2. Vaccine Development: The creation of vaccines such as the polio vaccine which eradicated the disease across many regions depended on HeLa cells.
3. Genetic Research: Scientific investigations used HeLa cells to explore human genetics which resulted in major discoveries about gene mapping and genetic disease comprehension.
4. Space Research: Scientists sent HeLa cells into space for research on how microgravity affects human cells.
Henrietta Lacks made monumental contributions yet she did not receive recognition or financial retribution for her work during her lifetime. She died from cancer after enduring an intense fight on October 4, 1951. Her life story uncovers the harsh realities of racial disparities in medical care and the complex ethical challenges then present in scientific research.
Ethical Implications and Legacy
Medical ethics and patient consent discussions alongside Black healthcare treatment issues arise from the legacy of Henrietta Lacks. After her death, her cells became widely used in research, which revealed significant ethical concerns, leading to important discussions about patient rights and informed consent.
Her legacy has inspired substantial changes in medical ethics, including:
- The Belmont Report: The Belmont Report created foundational ethical principles and guidelines for human subject research which focused on respect for individuals along with beneficence and justice.
- Informed Consent: Research ethics now demand full transparency and patient consent when using biological materials because this protects individual rights.
- Recognition of Contributions: Society is becoming increasingly aware of the scientific achievements contributed by individuals from underserved communities.
The book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot brought attention to Henrietta's story while examining the connection between race and medical ethics. A movie version of this story extended its reach and helped more people connect with her legacy.
In the End…..
The life story of Henrietta Lacks exposes enduring racial and ethical challenges in medical research. Through her altruistic spirit during suffering Henrietta Lacks contributed to significant medical breakthroughs which still protects lives today. During Black History Month we pay tribute to her legacy while recognizing the suffering she endured and affirming the necessity of ethical standards in scientific research.
The memory of Henrietta Lacks serves as a dual reminder of the medical breakthroughs her cells enabled and the essential need for respecting individual rights during scientific research. Her legacy stands as a powerful demonstration of how personal history intertwines with scientific breakthroughs.
As far as I could find, even her ancestors were never compensated for the life-altering contributions she made to medicine. She changed the course of history for the better, single-handedly! I implore you to read the book or watch the movie. It will give you a deeper understanding of how her race was exploited, yet she still gave all of herself for the better good!
