This work will stand as one of the most interesting works in the genre of the history of medicine in our era. Not only does it tell the origin in life of a famous cell line (HELA, an abbreviation of the name Henrietta Lacks, taught about in college biology classes). But it also tells the story of a humble family who was seemingly forgotten by science. Skloot tells the story of Deborah Lacks, Henrietta’s daughter, as she discovers her mother’s impact on science. HELA was fundamental in many discoveries, especially in cancer research, during the 20th and 21st centuries.
Juxtaposed to the elite fame that Johns Hopkins has gained through discoveries like the HELA cell line, the Lacks family was not able to afford basic health insurance. The cells were taken from Henrietta’s cervical cancer, from which she died – and taken without her consent in the 1950s. For informed consent was not a concept yet developed. These cells seem immortal and ever-growing. They now populate almost ever major cell lab in the world.
Human justice seems to dictate that patients ought to be remunerated for cells given, but the American legal system has not recognized that right. As Skloot acknowledges, the trouble lies not in academic research labs but in for-profit companies that bring in riches from patient contributions. The relative poverty of the Lacks family amplifies this injustice. This story raises more questions than it answers. The author concludes with a thorough analysis of the situation at the time of the writing.
This narrative is rich enough to appeal to many audiences. Scientists obviously can benefit from understanding patient lives and from the social impact of their research. Those interested in history can see the ethical growth of modern healthcare. Those with a socially oriented heart will enjoy Deborah’s tale and the contrast of rich Johns Hopkins and the humble Lacks family. Healthcare workers will gather new insights from Henrietta’s tale about informed consent and conflicts of interest. This book unifies many stories and sits at the junction of many themes. That’s why it was a bestseller and why it will continue to be read well throughout the 21st century.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
By Rebecca Skloot
Copyright (c) 2011
Crown
Audiobook
Page Count: 381
Genre: History of Medicine
www.amazon.com