BaltimoreCancerCervical cancerGeneral NewsLawsuitsLegal proceedingsOprah WinfreyU.S. NewsWomen's health Henrietta Lacks’ family settles lawsuit with a biotech company that used her cells without consent by Andrew Wright August 6, 2023 written by Andrew Wright August 6, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 68 Henrietta Lacks’ family has finally reached a settlement with a biotechnology company that utilized her cells without her consent over 70 years ago. Johns Hopkins Hospital took tissue from her cervical tumor without her knowledge, and these cells, known as HeLa cells, became instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs. However, despite their significant contributions to science and medicine, the Lacks family had never been compensated. The lawsuit filed in 2021 accused Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. of unjustly profiting from Henrietta Lacks’ cells long after their origins were known. The company allegedly made billions of dollars off her cells without providing any compensation to the family. The settlement was reached after closed-door negotiations at a federal courthouse in Baltimore, and the terms have been kept confidential. The exploitation of Henrietta Lacks and the use of her cells without consent shed light on a larger issue of racism within the U.S. medical system, which has historically exploited minority patients. While the family did not receive financial compensation until now, they had previously reached an agreement with the National Institutes of Health in 2013, granting them some control over the use of the DNA code from HeLa cells. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Lacks family, announced the settlement and commemorated Henrietta Lacks on what would have been her 103rd birthday. Overall, this settlement marks a significant step towards justice for Henrietta Lacks and her descendants after a long and arduous fight for recognition and compensation. Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exploitationWhat is the significance of Henrietta Lacks’ cells?Why did Henrietta Lacks’ family file a lawsuit?What was the outcome of the lawsuit?How did Henrietta Lacks’ case reflect a larger issue?Was Johns Hopkins Hospital involved in the exploitation?More about exploitation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about exploitation What is the significance of Henrietta Lacks’ cells? Henrietta Lacks’ cervical cells, known as HeLa cells, became the first human cells to continuously grow and reproduce in lab dishes. They played a pivotal role in countless scientific and medical innovations, including the development of the polio vaccine, genetic mapping, and COVID-19 vaccines. Why did Henrietta Lacks’ family file a lawsuit? Her family filed a lawsuit against Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for using her cells without consent and profiting from them long after their origin was known. They argued that the company unjustly enriched itself while the family received no compensation. What was the outcome of the lawsuit? After closed-door negotiations, Henrietta Lacks’ family reached a settlement with the biotechnology company. The terms of the settlement have been kept confidential, but it marks a landmark victory for the family after decades of uncompensated exploitation. How did Henrietta Lacks’ case reflect a larger issue? The lawsuit shed light on racism within the U.S. medical system, where historically, doctors and scientists have exploited minority patients. It exemplified the common struggle experienced by Black people throughout history in the medical field. Was Johns Hopkins Hospital involved in the exploitation? Johns Hopkins Hospital was not directly involved in profiting from the HeLa cells, and they claimed to have never sold or benefited from them. However, many other companies have patented ways of using the cells for commercial purposes. More about exploitation Henrietta Lacks’ cells: The Immortal Woman (Smithsonian Magazine) Henrietta Lacks’ Legacy: Medical Marvel — and a Case of Bioethical Mess (NPR) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (Rebecca Skloot) Henrietta Lacks: Her Impact and Legacy (Johns Hopkins Medicine) Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 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He enjoys analyzing market trends and economic data, and he is always on the lookout for new opportunities for investors. previous post Pope Concludes World Youth Day with 1.5 Million Attendees and Encourages Fearless Pursuit of Dreams next post Women’s World Cup Update: USA’s Road to Round of 16 and Viewing Information You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ
