Henrietta Lacks: The Woman Whose Immortal Cells Changed Science Forever

In 1951, a young African American mother of five named Henrietta Lacks visited Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, one of the few hospitals at the time that provided care to poor Black patients. She had been experiencing severe vaginal bleeding and was examined by Dr. Howard Jones, who discovered a large malignant tumor on her cervix. Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer and began receiving radium treatments — the best available option at the time.

Without Henrietta's consent, a sample of her cancerous cells was taken during a biopsy and sent to Dr. George Gey’s laboratory. Dr. Gey, a prominent cancer researcher, had long been collecting cells from various patients in hopes of finding a line of cells that would thrive outside the human body. However, all previous samples quickly died. Henrietta’s cells were different — they not only survived but doubled every 20 to 24 hours, making them the first immortal human cell line ever discovered.

These remarkable cells, later named HeLa cells from the first two letters of Henrietta’s first and last names, have since revolutionized medical science. HeLa cells have been instrumental in developing treatments for diseases such as polio, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. They have been used to study the effects of radiation, test new drugs, and map the human genome. HeLa cells even played a vital role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Despite the invaluable contributions of Henrietta’s cells, her story is also a cautionary tale about medical ethics. At the time, it was not common practice to obtain informed consent from patients for the use of their tissue samples in research. Henrietta and her family were unaware of the monumental scientific advancements made possible by her cells until decades later. It wasn’t until the 1970s that her family discovered the truth when researchers approached them for blood samples to further study HeLa cells.

The lack of recognition and compensation for the Lacks family sparked widespread discussions about the exploitation of marginalized communities in medical research. Although Johns Hopkins did not sell HeLa cells or profit directly from their distribution, the commercialization of these cells has generated enormous financial gains for biotech companies. In recent years, there has been a growing effort to honor Henrietta’s legacy and acknowledge the ethical wrongs of the past.

Dr. Roland Pattillo, a prominent African American physician and researcher who studied under Dr. Gey, played a crucial role in preserving Henrietta’s legacy. His compassionate relationship with the Lacks family led him to purchase a headstone for Henrietta’s previously unmarked grave. He also facilitated the connection between the Lacks family and author Rebecca Skloot, whose bestselling book The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks brought global attention to Henrietta’s story. The book was later adapted into an HBO film starring Oprah Winfrey.

Johns Hopkins and other research institutions have since supported efforts to raise awareness about Henrietta Lacks and the importance of ethical research practices. In acknowledging the past, they have emphasized the need for transparency, consent, and respect for the contributions of all individuals to scientific advancement.

Henrietta Lacks passed away on October 4, 1951, but her impact on science and medicine endures. Her cells, described as a scientific miracle, have contributed to over 80,000 scientific publications and countless medical breakthroughs. Beyond her scientific legacy, Henrietta’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for justice and equity in healthcare.

Today, her name is celebrated not only for the invaluable contributions her cells have made to science but also for sparking critical conversations about bioethics and health equity. Henrietta Lacks is a testament to the often-overlooked contributions of Black women in history, whose sacrifices and resilience continue to shape the world.