Henrietta's Children - Hela Cells Lacks Case

Some argue that since Henrietta's children share the same cells with their mother that they are also part owners of the HeLa cells. Because of this it is argued that by doing research on the cells they are also doing research on the Lacks children. Research on the HeLa cells should be covered by the Common Rule. "The Common Rule says that research subjects must be allowed to withdraw from research at any time." With this rule in place the Lacks family should be able to withdraw the HeLa cells at any time. If this is true the family should be given credit since they technically own the cells. If Lacks were to withdraw her cells from research scientists would be lost in a lot of their studies. I think this is a big enough reason for her to be recognized for her special cells. Also, the cells were named HeLa after their owner, Henrietta Lacks. Anytime someone's name is used some sort of recognition is in order. Her cells are just like her own "name brand" of cells and without this special brand of cells, we would not have a cure for polio, chemotherapy, cloning, gene mapping and in vito fertilization. The contributions she has made are as important as the ones the scientists made. For example, we give credit to the caveman for creating the wheel because we know that without that contribution we may not have today's cars and other transportation.

I believe that the taking of her cells without her permission can be looked at as a form of slavery. This country was built on the foundation of free labor, it is obvious that the same is being done scientifically. The Lacks family has become enslaved and manipulated by the scientific community by not being paid for their contributions to science. I believe Henrietta is the most important person in finding the cures. I also think that people whose cells are being used should, at the very least, be notified of what they are doing. If not it is bordering on the line of the invasion of property. It is similar to then law that you or your family must sign to be an organ donor. If they cannot organs without your consent, they should not be able to take parts of them without consent. It is illegal to make money off of someone else without them knowing. Scientists are making millions of dollars off the HeLa discoveries. Even though the doctors do not have a contract with Henrietta, it is only because she did not know they would be taking cells from her. If they would have told her I am sure she would not have hesitated to draw up the contract stating she is entitled to part of the money that is earned. It would not have put a big dent in scientist's pockets if they were to compensate her family. Correct recognition is important because it will make others more outgoing and willing to donate parts of their bodies willingly to science.

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