The Lacks Family

The Lacks family is known for their connection to Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951. These cells, called HeLa cells, became immensely important in medical research, contributing to breakthroughs such as vaccines and cancer treatments. The Lacks family's story highlights issues of medical ethics, informed consent, and racial inequalities in healthcare. Henrietta's legacy has sparked conversations about the rights of patients and the use of biological materials in research, leading to greater awareness and changes in ethical standards in medicine.