The Immorality of Henrietta Lacks’ Treatment

Introduction

Morality is often defined as the system of principles and values that guide human behavior, distinguishing right from wrong. From a young age, individuals are taught to respect others, keep promises, and act with integrity. Understanding morality is crucial as it serves as a guide to becoming better individuals. In the realm of scientific research, one significant case that raises moral questions is that of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells revolutionized modern science. Henrietta Lacks was a woman born into a legacy of slavery and sharecropping, who sought a better life in the North (Skloot 197).

Despite her monumental contribution to science, the manner in which her cells were obtained and the subsequent treatment of her family raise profound ethical issues. This essay will explore the immorality of how Henrietta Lacks and her family were treated, emphasizing the lack of informed consent and unfair financial gain from her cells.

Henrietta Lacks' Medical Treatment

Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer, and her treatment at John Hopkins Hospital marked the beginning of an ethical controversy. During her treatment, Dr. Lawrence Wharton Jr., without her knowledge or consent, collected samples of her cancer cells (Skloot 33). This act of taking cells without consent is a breach of moral and ethical standards, as it essentially involved stealing a part of her identity. Henrietta was unconscious and unaware of the procedure, believing she was receiving treatment for her illness. In the medical profession, trust between a patient and doctor is paramount, and Dr. Wharton’s actions violated this trust.

Moreover, the involvement of Dr. Chester Southam, who later conducted experiments with these cells, further highlights the disregard for ethical medical practices. The lack of transparency and informed consent in this situation is a clear violation of Henrietta's autonomy and dignity. According to the principles of medical ethics, patients should be fully informed about the procedures they are undergoing, allowing them to make educated decisions about their health. This disregard for Henrietta's rights underscores a broader issue of exploitation, particularly of marginalized individuals, in medical research.

Financial Exploitation of Henrietta's Legacy

The use of Henrietta Lacks' cells, known as HeLa cells, led to significant advancements in scientific research, including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, and countless other medical breakthroughs. However, while institutions like John Hopkins Hospital benefited financially from these discoveries, Henrietta's family received no compensation. The Lacks family was left in poverty, while others profited from the commercialization of HeLa cells.

The book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" reveals that the Lacks brothers believed Hopkins had stolen their mother's cells and owed them compensation (Skloot 206). This belief is rooted in the unfairness of the situation. While the veil of ignorance—a philosophical concept that promotes fairness and impartiality—suggests credit and rewards should be fairly distributed, the reality was starkly different for the Lacks family. The exploitation and lack of financial restitution highlight the imbalance of power and the unethical practices prevalent in the scientific community at the time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the treatment of Henrietta Lacks and her family serves as a poignant example of the ethical dilemmas in medical research. The lack of informed consent, coupled with the financial exploitation of her legacy, underscores the moral failures of those involved. Henrietta's story is not just about scientific achievement but also about the need for ethical accountability and justice. By acknowledging these wrongs and advocating for change, society can take steps toward ensuring that future scientific endeavors are conducted with respect, fairness, and integrity. Understanding morality and its application in real-world scenarios helps foster a more just and equitable society, preventing the recurrence of such ethical breaches.

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