Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cells, known as HeLa cells, have had a profound impact on medical research. In 1951, Henrietta went to Johns Hopkins Hospital for treatment of cervical cancer. Without her knowledge or consent, a sample of her cells was taken and used by researchers, becoming the first immortal human cell line.

HeLa cells have been crucial in numerous medical breakthroughs, such as the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, and understanding the mechanisms of diseases like HIV and Ebola. However, the use of Henrietta’s cells without her consent has raised ethical concerns about patient privacy and consent in medical research.

Today, HeLa cells are still widely used in research, continuing Henrietta’s incredible legacy. Her story sheds light on the importance of informed consent and ethical standards in medical research.#3#