Who are HeLa cells?
Theresa Howard
University of Phoenix
MHA/508
Rick Nordahl
January 11, 2021
Theresa Howard
University of Phoenix
MHA/508
Rick Nordahl
January 11, 2021
Who are HeLa Cells?
Christoph Langauer states "whenever we read books about science, it's always HeLa this and HeLa that. Some people know those are the initials of a person, but they do not know who that person is. That's important history.". (Skloot, R., 2010). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks a novel by Rebecca Skloot, tells the story of the person who would become immortal through her cells. To understand HeLa, we will look at who “HeLa” was, and how her and her family have been portrayed in this novel, as well as a brief review of what preventions can be made to ensure medical practices are being ran ethically.
Henrietta Lacks
Born in 1920, Henrietta Lacks unknowingly would contribute to revolutionary and groundbreaking scientific break throughs in the medical community. Living her life on the side of extreme poverty, Henrietta Lacks became a young African American mother of five children as well as a devoted wife. Her story took a turn in 1951 when she sought medical treatment at John Hopkins Hospital for what she would describe as a “knot in her womb”. It would later be identified that this source of much pain, was indeed cervical cancer, and her cells were taken and used for research without her consent or knowledge. (Skloot, R., 2010).
Mrs. Lacks Treatment
In 1951, low-income patients, especially those of color had very limited resources for seeking any medical treatment. John Hopkins Hospital was one of the only options, and at the time the only option for seeking medical treatment for Mrs. Lacks.
Upon diagnosis, Mrs. Lacks was given a general consent form to sign that stated, “I hereby give consent to the staff of The John Hopkins Hospital to perform any operative procedures and under any anesthetic either local or general that they may deem necessary in the proper surgical treatment of: ______________”. (Skloot, R., 2010, p.31). It is noted that Mrs. Lacks printed her name on this treatment form, but the witnesses name was ineligible. Not once was there mention of the collection of cells for research purposes, and Mrs. Lacks underwent surgery. The diagnosis was grim, cervical cancer and radium treatment, which was the most effective option in 1951 began. During this time, she was poked, prodded and specimens were continually collected without consent or her knowledge. By October of 1951, Mrs. Lacks, Henrietta, would be dead, but her cells would not be. (Skloot, R., 2010).
Perception of the Lacks Family
Skloot, R. portrays the Lacks family at times almost uneducated, which is unfair based on the time Mrs. Lacks lived. In the 1950’s most American’s trusted their doctors and did not ask many questions. As the novel progresses, she portrays the surviving kin as almost vengeful without the focus on all the HeLa cells have done for bettering human life. This is shown through inserts of interviews and the focus of some family members lack of knowledge for the benefits the HeLa cells have provided. (Skloot, R., 2010).
Prevention of Unethical Medical Practices. There are many causes for alarm with the case of Henrietta Lacks. The failure to receive consent for the use of her cells indefinitely has caused many to ask, is this ethical? To be an ethical leader, one must consider how to close the knowledge gap between patient and provider. The focus of prevention of unethical medical practices is thru compliance programs within all medical facilities. These program guidelines outline the need for monitoring and auditing. For example, ineligible signatures would not be permissible. Another guideline most medical provider has in use, is a clear expectation of what is being taken during specimen collections, though reasons for collections are not always disclosed, this is done thru training and education. (“OIG”, 2021).
Conclusion
Knowing who HeLa is, helps understand the impact that Mrs. Henrietta Lacks has had worldwide on not only science, but the quality-of-life mankind has. Though this case has shown us what not to do, it also has led to many great things. However, no one should forget her name and who she was, Henrietta Lacks. Her portrayal of an uneducated, poor victim needs to be cleared and she should be considered even in death as a hero. When we hear the term HeLa, all should know Henrietta Lacks.
References
OIG (2021).
https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/physician-education/05compliance.asp
Skloot, R., (2010). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.
Broadway Books New York.