First of all, this book opens up a discussion about patient privacy rights and the policy of using cells for research without clear consent. The miscommunication between researchers and Henrietta Lacks’ family raises ethical questions regarding the protection of privacy rights and the obligation to inform patients about the use of their cells for research.
On the other hand, some readers may see the discovery of the HeLa cell line as an important milestone in medical advancement. Using HeLa cells, many medical studies have been conducted, paving the way for the development of vaccines, drugs and other therapies. The question is to what extent we should value these medical contributions compared to the privacy rights of individuals.
In addition, it is also necessary to consider the historical context of medical research in the 1950s. Were the ethical and legal norms at the time compatible with the actions taken by researchers? Understanding past medical practices can help understand the controversies that arise and whether changes to current ethical norms are appropriate.
As a reader, how do you manage the conflict between world-changing medical advances through research using HeLa cells, and the privacy rights of individuals that seem to be overlooked in the process?
by lAzkhyl