How Did Henrietta Lacks Make Hela Cells Unethical

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Eddie Xu Professor Carl Schlachte English 1010 9/6/12 Henrietta Lacks was an African American that gave the greatest contribution to medical science; her cell, which is also known as HeLa cells. It was taken without consent and used in many experiments and researches throughout the world. With hard works, scientists improved medical science drastically. The results had benefited everyone; how vaccines were created and cures were found for disease. Despite the ethical concern of how the cells were acquired, the scientists were responsible for the result and justified for their action. Henrietta Lack’s of HeLa cells was discovered by Dr. George Gey, head of tissue culture research, and his assistant, Mary Kubicek. In the mid 1900s, there were many problems and issues about cells growing successfully in dish. Without the right culture medium, the cells can die within one hour to two weeks at most. Since it was fresh to the researchers, it was hard to create a balanced culture medium for cells to eat. Dr. George Gey tried and used…show more content…
There was a similar case about a patient’s cell taken without consent. The patient was named John Moore was tested positive of hairy cell leukemia. His doctor, Dr. David Golde took his cells to research several new proteins produced from the cells. The law suit was filed and taken to California court of appeal. The cases went in flavor of Moore because the judge stated that research on human represent the damage to the bodies and they have the right to control their cells or body. 7 years later, Supreme Court of California ruled against the issues. The final statement was once tissues are removed from the body, the owner has no right to control, regardless with or without consent. It is considered as abandonment. Since it was abandoned, people like Dr. Golde can take and renovated it to

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