The Argument Against Henrietta Lacks

Unlike something ever seen before, Henrietta’s cells were placed into a petri dish to see if they would grow, and they did. As a matter of fact they have yet to stop growing. Some would call it a medical miracle, and those that discovered it “Heroes of Modern Medicine”. Many would argue that scientists had the right to take Henrietta’s samples, after all Henrietta signed “a form”. Many would justify the doctor's actions and overlook misconduct or abuse of power as they neglected to inform Henrietta of their intentions in the name of medicine advancement. Yet, some would disagree. Henrietta was being treated for cancer, the form she signed was consent for treatment not for the removal and testing of her cells. The document clearly outlined its purpose, giving John Hopkins Hospital and staff permission to…”Perform any operative procedure, under anaesthetic either local or general that they may deem necessary in the proper surgical care and treatment of: Henrietta Lacks” (31).
While the duties of attending physician Dr. Lawrence did fall under treatment, at no point was permission granted to remove a sample and perform research on her cancerous cells. Dr. Lawrence also failed to inform Henrietta of all the procedures conducted and the repercussions, such as the use of radium and it causing infertility. Proper care, treatment and comfort of the patient should have been top priority. Instead the need for medical advancement superseded, the world would be changed that day...but so would the lives of the Lacks family. Some would argue that no wrong was done in not disclosing Henrietta Lacks name as the origin of the HeLa cells. After all, they did disclose the information the research would be at risk of being compromised. The ability to rapidly reproduce Hela cells in a laboratory setting lead to many important breakthroughs and biomedical research. Their work was extremely significant to finding cures for many illnesses including cancer, and disclosure of Henrietta's name would possibly bring everything to a halt. Some would also argue that their was no direct profit from the research of the Hela cells. The cells were distributed to other researchers at no financial gain, the only goal in mind was the advancement in medicine. The only true gain for Dr. Gey was a bit of fame and prestige over his discoveries and again, the release of the source could easily take that away. Although no financial gain came to the first researchers, the Hela cells became a booming business and manufactures launched a multimillion dollar business. They became millionaires and yet...there was family left behind the day Henrietta died, a family they choose to not acknowledge, the Lacks family. Henrietta left behind five children. Recognition to their mothers contribution, although not nearly a justifiable alternative to her being alive and well, would have given then consolation and perhaps even some financial compensation, something much needed by this low income family. They struggled in poverty, were divided among family members and some even abused. Perhaps money would have made a difference, perhaps not, but the satisfaction and comfort of knowing their mother lives on would have. Henrietta Lacks died October 4th, 1951 at the age of 31 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Times were different then. Segregation existed, there was no equality in treatment of patients. Henrietta was not treated well. As a cause and effect of things done then, ethical policies and protocols have been set into place. All people are to be treated as equals. Service could not be denied to anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion. Full informed consent and confidentiality paperwork is needed when treating a patient and participating in any research study. Confidentially forms are to protect the patient and the exposure of any outcome of research, only if the patient is willing to disclose will it be allowed. Doctors are to completely explain the procedures and any possible side effects and repercussions from the treatment. Hospital are to put the comfort and needs of the patient first and they have a right to appoint an advocate if needed. Medicine and research have come a long way in 66
years. Meanwhile in a cemetery in virginia, where Henrietta Lacks was buried in an unmarked grave by her mom, a memorial has finally been erected. It is dedicated to the memory of a women who, it says, “Touched the lives of many”; and no truer a sentence had ever been inscribed