In honor of Black History Month we look back at the life of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells—obtained without her knowledge or consent—are the source of the HeLa cell line, the first immortalized human cell line and one of the most important cell lines in medical research. The consequences of her experience, however, and that of many other minorities who suffered from injustices in the health care system at the time, have led to changes (and ongoing conversations) about the issues of consent, and disparities in access to health care and research benefits.
Last month, the Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act was signed into law, requiring the federal government to publish a report on government-funded cancer research trials, including the amount of participation by underrepresented populations and describing the barriers to participation.
Interested in learning more about Henrietta Lacks and her legacy? We recommend The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
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Stephanie Weiner
Director, Digital Strategy & Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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