Who was Henrietta Lacks?

She was a poor black tobacco farmer in the 1950s—who’s cells were taken without her knowledge—and became of one the most important tools in the medicine business, her cells were able to develop the polio vaccine, gene mapping and cloning. Scientists call her HeLa (short for Henrietta Lacks). Johns Hopkins Hospital was responsible for taking Henrietta’s cells without her consent and owing her family money for what they did.

A poor tobacco farmer in the 1950s whose cells have helped develop the polio vaccine and other medical uses.

Henrietta Lacks (1920-1951) was an African American tobacco farmer and mother of five from Virginia. Without her knowledge or consent, her cancer cells were taken during a biopsy and led to numerous scientific breakthroughs. Her cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to be immortalized in a laboratory and have been widely used in medical research, leading to significant advances in fields like:

1. Cancer research
2. Vaccines (e.g., polio, HPV)
3. Gene mapping
4. In vitro fertilization
5. AIDS research

Henrietta’s story raises important questions about medical ethics, informed consent, and the intersection of science and humanity. Her legacy has inspired books, films, and documentaries, including Rebecca Skloot’s bestselling book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (2010).