In 1951, Henrietta Lacks died from cervical cancer at the age of 31. Her cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, making her legacy not only a cornerstone of biomedical research but also a turning point in conversations about patient rights, informed consent and research ethics.
Yet, a sample of her cancer cells later known as HeLa cells became the first immortal human cell line.
What’s HeLa Cells?
These cells are capable of growing and dividing indefinitely under the right laboratory conditions.
If HeLa cells were discovered today, how differently would their collection, governance, and scientific use be managed under current ethical standards?
MBH/PS