Henrietta Lacks: Discrimination Of Social Groups In Society

My first object is an article my father brought to my attention a few months ago, about the discrimination of social groups in India, specifically towards the “untouchables” caste. The caste system, a social hierarchy structure which was implemented in India over 3,000 years ago. The system is deeply connected to the Hindu culture and beliefs, and forms the basis of India’s political framework. It forms castes within the community, assigning individuals based on ancestry, restricting them to specific professions, and limiting associated privileges in society.

Dalits are a social group located at the bottom of the hierarchy, and are often viewed as outcasts. Traditionally, their occupations consisted of dealing with garbage or deceased humans
Henrietta Lacks was an African-American woman whose cells were used for scientific research without her knowledge or consent. Her genetic materials were used to grow a new line of cells called the HeLa cells, which scientists used in vitro experiments. Later on, the discovery of her cells led to significant medical advancements and to this day remain an essential tool, lending itself to cancer and polio disease research. While numerous medical accomplishments occurred through the use of HeLa cells, Henrietta and her family were excluded from the benefits, partially because segregation towards African-Americans was still in motion. Meaning that her cells were used throughout the globe, achieving medical marvels without her knowledge. The cultural bias and disregard to Henritta's anatomy highlighted the need for robust ethical guidelines to consent. This study emphasises the importance of informed consent and the significance of patients having the right to understand the intentions of the medical professionals. Whilst no crime has been committed, one may argue that the procedure can be deemed unethical and immoral. Since this incident, the necessity of informed consent and what can be considered ethical testing has amplified globally. Thus, resulting in various experiments to be denied from execution as they involve uninformed consent in the process. Arguably, this could have prevented the attainment of a number of medical milestones. Ethical considerations, in turn, act as a constraint by limiting the pursuit of knowledge. Scientists must navigate ethical guidelines concerning consent, thus constructing methodological limitations. However, if Henrietta had denied a consent request, this would have jeopardised the plethora of medical advancements made since. Her cell line has managed to save countless lives, and without this medical miracle, the foundation of current medical studies could have