Hela cells ethics. Ethical Issues of HeLa Cells 2022-12-17

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Hela cells, also known as HeLa cells, are a type of immortal cell line that was derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. These cells have been used extensively in scientific research and have contributed to numerous medical advances, including the development of the polio vaccine and the understanding of cancer and HIV. However, the use of HeLa cells has also raised a number of ethical concerns, particularly regarding the lack of informed consent and the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks and her family.

One of the main ethical concerns surrounding the use of HeLa cells is the lack of informed consent. When Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1951, a sample of her cancerous cells was taken without her knowledge or consent. These cells were then cultured and became the first immortal cell line, which means they can divide indefinitely and do not naturally die. As a result, HeLa cells have been used in countless scientific experiments and have contributed to many medical discoveries. However, Henrietta Lacks and her family were not informed about the use of her cells or compensated for their contribution to scientific research. This has led to accusations of exploitation and a lack of respect for Henrietta Lacks' autonomy and dignity.

Another ethical concern related to the use of HeLa cells is the potential for commercial gain. While the cells were originally obtained for research purposes, they have since been commercialized and are now widely available for purchase. This has led to concerns about the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks' cells for profit, as well as the potential for conflicts of interest in research. For example, if a researcher has a financial stake in the success of a particular experiment using HeLa cells, they may be more likely to report positive results, even if the results are not entirely accurate.

In addition to these ethical concerns, the use of HeLa cells has also raised issues related to privacy and confidentiality. When Henrietta Lacks' cells were taken and cultured, her medical information and personal details were also documented. This information was later used in scientific papers and became widely available to researchers, potentially violating Henrietta Lacks' privacy.

Given these ethical concerns, it is important to consider the implications of using HeLa cells in scientific research. While the cells have contributed to many important medical advances, it is important to ensure that the rights and autonomy of Henrietta Lacks and her family are respected. This includes obtaining informed consent, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest. It is also important to consider the potential for exploitation and to ensure that the benefits of using HeLa cells are shared fairly.

The Importance of HeLa Cells

hela cells ethics

Today the ethical issues of the HeLa cells story and the measures taken for solving them are implemented around the world, although some countries still have the discriminative approaches. The Lacks family invested in a lawyer, and they were able to compromise with the researchers so that the genome can be shared with scientists by request, but only if the Lacks family gives permission. Association for Molecular Pathology et al. Along these lines, they help the investigators perform long cell culture contemplates. Rather, Johns Hopkins offered HeLa cells freely and widely for scientific research.

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Professionalism/HeLa Cells and Timeless Ethics

hela cells ethics

American Council on Science and Health. Privacy and progress in whole genome sequencing. So he could get more cells from different tumors, Gey asked for permission from Henrietta's husband, David Lacks, to perform an autopsy and he initially refused. They proceeded to call Johns Hopkins Hospital themselves. During her cancer treatment, her cells are taken without her consent for research.

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Ethical Issues of HeLa Cells

hela cells ethics

Yearly Review of Genomics and Human Genetics, 17 1 , 395-417. Anyone who has ever conducted a cell biology experiment has likely worked with HeLa cells. The default format, particularly in the U. The physician retrieved a segment of the tumor and sent it to a lab for further diagnosis. Deborah, Henrietta's daughter, finally grew curious and started to research HeLa cells on her own. But some people might not want to know these things about themselves, and consent from one family member does not constitute consent for all. The history of them has multiple ethical issues to discuss.

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What HeLa Cells Are and Why They Are Important

hela cells ethics

Recently, her genetic information—based on what are now known as HeLa cells—was made widely available and partially released to the public. On the other hand, the family did not have access to primary care despite the benefits it brought to all people. Maryland State Archives Biographical Series. In the 1970s, the Lacks family was contacted as scientists sought to understand the reason for the aggressive nature of the cells. Charting a course for genomic medicine from base pairs to bedside. Although these were the first cells that could be easily shared and multiplied in a lab setting, Johns Hopkins has never sold or profited from the discovery or distribution of HeLa cells and does not own the rights to the HeLa cell line. He later agreed, but it is unclear if he agreed to just the autopsy or also the tissue removal.

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Is Hela Cells Ethical?

hela cells ethics

It highlighted the importance of fundamental human rights, such as having a right to know about the fate of the specimens taken, access to medical information, and equal treatment. It tells the devastating story of a woman whose cells were collected and cultured without her consent and its wondrous effect within the medical community as well as the equally distressing effect on her family. When patients experience racism, they may be unable to defend themselves if they are incapacitated by medical professionals. The Hastings Center Report, 43, 15-18. New York, NY: Crown.

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Medical Law and Ethics When Using HeLa Cells Free Essay Example

hela cells ethics

Right now, there is the dispute that the continued with use of the HeLa cells manhandles the security of the patient and that of her nearby family members. The Genomic and Transcriptomic Landscape of a HeLa Cell Line. These cells, known as HeLa, go on to provide many important scientific discoveries. Gey stole from their mother. Johns Hopkins did not tell the family what they were actually using the blood samples for.

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Ethical Issues

hela cells ethics

An NIH working group of six committee members, including two Lacks family members, was formed to review applications for access to the database. Nowadays, the authors of the study have to provide ground justifications and experience strict standards for using human tissues for conducting research. Taking the least of you. Years after the HeLa line had become popular, scientists took samples from other members of the Lacks family, but they did not explain the reason for the tests. Their cousin Ethel moved in under the pretenses of wanting to care for them.

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Case

hela cells ethics

What It Means to Be Immortal Normally, human cell cultures die within a few days after a set number of Notable Achievements Using HeLa Cells HeLa cells have been used to test the effects of radiation, cosmetics, toxins, and other chemicals on human cells. They thought that they should at least get compensation for the scientific discoveries. Key Idea 1 Henrietta was diagnosed with epidermoid Hela Cells Essay The HeLa cell lines emerged, on February 1, 1951, after a woman by the name of Henrietta Lacks visited her physician after noticing blood spots in her underwear. Although no law requires physicians to disclose this information, it is important to consider whether it is their ethical obligation to do so. At the age of 14, she gave birth to her first child, a son, followed by a daughter four years later. There are various moral circumstances for examination in this novel.

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