Dame Henrietta Lacks

Dame Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her permission in 1951. These cells, called HeLa cells, were the first to survive and grow indefinitely outside the human body. They have been pivotal in medical research, helping develop vaccines, cancer treatments, and other scientific advances. Her case raised important ethical questions about consent and patient rights in medical research. Henrietta’s contribution has saved countless lives, and her story highlights the importance of ethics and respect in healthcare.