Henrietta Lacks: The Origins and Impact of Her Cells PT.2

The narrative of Henrietta Lacks illustrates the systemic racial disparities entrenched within the research and healthcare systems of the United States. Henrietta, a Black woman, had her cells collected at one of the few medical centers that provided care to Black patients. Despite numerous biotechnology and other companies profiting from her cells, her family received no financial compensation. And, for decades after her death, doctors and scientists repeatedly failed to ask her family for consent as they revealed Lacks’s name publicly, gave her medical records to the media, and even published her cells’ genome online. Furthermore, for decades after her death, doctors and scientists did not ask her family for consent as her identity was publicized, her medical records shared with the media, and her cell genome published online (subsequently removed after public outcry).

In terms of policy, efforts have been made to establish stricter regulations regarding the use of human specimens like HeLa cells, with a focus on obtaining consent. NIH Director Francis Collins advocates for revising the Common Rule to require consent from individuals before using their biological samples in research, even if the samples are de-identified.

Moreover, there is a pressing need to address and rectify the systemic racial disparities inherent in scientific research, echoing the injustices present during Henrietta’s time. Some researchers using HeLa cells have begun offering financial compensation as a form of restitution. Institutions and researchers must examine their own work to assess whether it perpetuates past injustices and determine appropriate measures for reconciliation. This includes supporting initiatives like the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, which provides grants to Henrietta’s descendants and others whose bodies have been exploited for research without consent.

Henrietta, who had numerous descendants, including those leading the #HELA100 campaign, seeks to celebrate her life and legacy. Her granddaughter, Jeri Lacks-Whye, emphasizes the importance of recognizing Henrietta as a real person with a family and a story, not merely a source of cells. Henrietta was known for her love of cooking, dancing, and her stylish attire. She was the heart of her family, providing emotional support and opening her home to all in need.

For Henrietta’s grandson, Alfred Lacks Carter, the significance of HeLa cells lies in their contributions to cancer research, particularly poignant as Henrietta herself died from the disease. Additionally, many attribute their ability to conceive through in vitro fertilization to HeLa cell research. Despite the unethical means by which the cells were obtained, their impact on advancing medical knowledge benefits people of all ethnicities.

To learn more about the HELA100 campaign, you can visit their website here. 

You can read more about how HeLa cells have been used for medical research breakthroughs here.