What her doctors did was perfectly legal back then and, contrary to the repeated implications of this book, didn't net them a single dime by way of remuneration.Īs for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole, the HeLa cells are a potential resource (although these days they're laboratory pests that are more likely to contaminate cell lines than be used by pharmaceutical researchers), but they aren't the medications themselves, so should they also agree to share profits with the seaweed farmers whose products may be used to make agar, a common biological culture medium? What about the companies that manufacture Petri dishes? Pipettes? And not much could be done if they couldn't keep the lights on, so should the local utility company get its share of the profits? Granted, it may feel like human cells are more immediate than any of these things, but personal feelings and emotional responses are a poor basis for making legal decisions. And while one might argue that she could consent to have her cancer excised without consenting to have her cells cultured, the law at the time didn't recognize this distinction. ![]() She was at Johns Hopkins for the purpose of having the cancerous growths removed. And while one might argue th …more Nothing was taken from her "illegally". ![]() Nullifidian Nothing was taken from her "illegally". To me, it had a slow start but it is absolutely worth reading to the end. So, all that is the long way of saying: Yes. And I think this one of the main points, in addition to recognizing Henrietta Lacks: to highlight the arrogance and selfishness of those who thought it was fine to use/sell her cells in the name of benefiting humanity, without ever making a good faith effort to help Henrietta's family. Explore a character analysis of her daughter Deborah Lacks, plot summary, and important quotes. Not only did Henrietta suffer, but generations of her family have suffered. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is Rebecca Skloot's debut biography about the woman whose cells have led to numerous scientific breakthroughs, without her consent. By the end, you desperately want for the family to receive justice, compensation, recognition. The ethical dilemmas that unfold are what I found most compelling. But as the story progresses, she gets to know the family, and this is where it draws you in. I think maybe that's why it may initially feel imbalanced – because at first, all Skloot has is her research and science. But due to the circumstances, that information isn't available. It would have been incredible to find Henrietta's accounts of what was on her mind, how she felt. You get glimpses of Henrietta herself through their memories. You get glimpses of Henrietta herself throu …more As you make your way through the book, you learn much more about Henrietta through the lens of her family. ![]() Henrietta Lacks died in 1951, but her cancer cells are still alive today. What impact did the unfolding of the story of Henrietta's "immortal cells" have on her husband and children, particularly her daughter, Deborah?Ħ.Emily As you make your way through the book, you learn much more about Henrietta through the lens of her family. Do patients socioeconomic differences affect the relationship today 3. Perfect prep for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks quizzes and tests you might have in school. What changes in research on human subjects resulted, directly and indirectly, from the Lacks case?ĥ. Test your knowledge on all of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. In your opinion, was it "unethical" for researchers to take (and profit from) Henrietta’s cells without her permission? Why? Why not? (Define "ethical" and "unethical".) Should the Lacks family be given financial compensation in return for use of her cells? How would this financial compensation be determined? Who would pay?Ĥ. Deborah was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother Had they killed her to harvest her cells And if her mother was so important to medicine. What factors (race, class, gender, "the times") do you think were responsible for Henrietta's cells being taken from her without her permission? What factors do you think were responsible for her family being kept in the dark about the many ways in which the study of her cells were contributing to medical science?ģ. How has medical science been advanced by the study of Henrietta Lacks' cells? Give examples.Ģ.
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