“Henrietta’s were different: they reproduced an entire generation every twenty-four hours, and they never stopped. They became the first immortal human cells ever grown in a laboratory.”–Rebecca Skloot, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Henrietta Lacks was a poor Southern farmer whose cells were taken without her consent while she was in the hospital. This was done regularly at some hospitals, particularly research facilities, before laws were passed that required consent from patients. All the cells taken from other patients before Henrietta’s would die within a short period of time. But not Henrietta’s. Hers survived, reproduced and became the first immortal cells grown in culture. They were used in developing the polio vaccine, cancer research, even learning about the atom bomb’s effects. They also fueled a multi-million dollar industry that sells biological materials, but Henrietta’s family didn’t receive a dime in compensation.
This is an unbelievable story, particularly as it connects to the medical experimentation on African-Americans, the rise of bio-ethics, and how much say we as individuals really have over our cells, tissues, and other components of our bodies.
Rebecca Skloot has done a remarkable job sharing the story of Henrietta and her family. It is fascinating reading and well worth your time.
Content Advisory: Death, racism