Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cancer cells were unknowingly taken in 1951 and used for extensive scientific research, has reached a settlement with biotech company Thermo Fisher Scientific. These cells, famously known as HeLa cells, were discovered by doctors at Johns Hopkins while Lacks was seeking treatment for cervical cancer. They were found to double every 20 to 24 hours in the lab, making them the first successfully cloned human cells and paving the way for numerous medical advancements.
Lacks’ cells have been instrumental in the development of the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, Lacks’ family only learned about the use of her cells years after her death. Her story gained widespread attention through the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” and a subsequent HBO movie.
In 2021, Lacks’ estate filed a lawsuit against Thermo Fisher Scientific, claiming that the company continued to profit from her cells without consent even after it was public knowledge that they were taken without permission. The lawsuit sought to hold the company accountable for its actions and demanded that they cease using the HeLa cells without permission while also asking for the full disgorgement of profits generated from the commercialization of the cell line.
The terms of the settlement reached between the parties have not been disclosed, but the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, emphasizing that it brings a sense of respect, dignity, and justice to Henrietta Lacks’ legacy. This announcement was made on what would have been Lacks’ 103rd birthday, adding extra significance to the occasion.
This settlement represents a step toward acknowledging the historical exploitation of Black individuals, particularly in the medical field, and highlights the need for more ethical practices moving forward.
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