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Louisiana Tech University *

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102

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Medicine

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by MajorPorpoise1907

1: Important Information Henrietta Lacks is introduced and her reason for visiting the John Hopkins hospital is revealed. At the time John Hopkins was the only hospital that would treat poor colored people. Dr. Howard Jones diagnosed her with cervical cancer and started Lack’s on radium treatments. Henrietta’s cervical cancer cells were collected and given to Dr. Gray who had a collection of cells that he studied. At the time taking samples from patients without consent was completely legal but today some family members are not too fond of the situation However, Henrietta’s cells were different from all the other samples Dr. Gray had, in the way that hers did not die like the rest. Her cells actually multiplied every 20 to 24 hours. Henrietta’s cells helped with the study of cancer cells and the effects of radiation treatments. These cells were named HeLa cells in honor to Henrietta for all the information that her cells revealed. Although Lacks died in 1951 at the age of 31, her cell sample still helps uncover medical mysteries all over because the HeLa cells were shared and a nonprofit for the John Hopkins hospital. Connection The information stated above is important because it gives us the backstory to the discovery of the HeLa cells and how they made advancements in cell studies and how they are still important today. Dr. Gray made a great discovery the day he was sent Henrietta’s cells that would reveal things still used today, for no profit. Although she died in 1951 her story and cells still live on and make an impact on the world. Sentences The Op Ed argues that they should not have taken a cell sample without the permission of Henrietta or her family members even though it was not required back then. The Op Ed expresses how even though they didn’t have the family’s consent, with consent today that type of research and testing is highly effective and recommended. Evidence The Op Ed included proven scientific evidence to support their claim. An example is “they have been used to test the effects of radiation and poisons, to study the human genome, to learn more about how viruses work…” This quote shows that the science was majorly benefited from Lack’s sample and still helps medicine today. Text2 Important things: Henrietta goes to the doctor and they find a cancerous tumor on her cervix. A sample of her cancer cells were sent to a man named Dr Grey who Dr Jones sent all

his cervical cancer patients cells to. Everyone else’s cancer cells quickly died while Henriettas doubled every 20 to 24 hours. Her cells are used to study toxins, drugs, hormones, and viruses on the growth of cancer cells with out experimenting on humans. They also played a crucial role in the development of polio and covid 19. She died in 1951 at age 31, but her cells continue to impact the world. Although her cells have a great impact her privacy was not kept and the same rules would not apply today. Connected: These points all connect to tell Mrs Henrietta’s story and how her cells have impacted the world. Without her cells we might not have the same medicines or medicines that haven’t worked would have been tested on people rather than her cells. It also shows us ton respect her and everything her and her family went through with no privacy and it makes you grateful for the privacy we are guaranteed today. Mrs Henrietta was a very important aspect to the medical advances we have today, though her cancer was not beat and she passed away at age 31 her cells have changed medical history, and have allowed us to further medicine. Her impact is not taken lightly and although her privacy may have been mistreated doctors now are trying to make sure she gets the recognition she needs. Evidence: Evidence of her impact would be when the author states: “Today, these incredible cells — nicknamed "HeLa" cells, from the first two letters of her first and last names — are used to study the effects of toxins, drugs, hormones and viruses on the growth of cancer cells without experimenting on humans.” Also when he says this: “Although Mrs. Lacks ultimately passed away on October 4, 1951, at the age of 31, her cells continue to impact the world.” These two sentences prove and support the idea that her cells have had a great impact on the world and medicine. Evidence of doctors now making sure she gets the respect she deserves is when the author states this: “We are deeply committed to the ongoing efforts at our institutions and elsewhere to honor the contributions of Henrietta Lacks and to ensure the appropriate protection and care of the Lacks family’s medical information.” This shows doctors today support her and want her to have the respect she deserves. Blueprint: Crucial Details The story of Henrietta Lacks begins with her visit to John Hopkins Hospital, a time when

it was the sole facility treating underprivileged people of color. Dr. Howard Jones diagnosed Henrietta with cervical cancer and initiated radium treatments. Her cancer cells were collected and sent to Dr. Gray, who maintained a cell collection for research purposes. Notably, in that era, collecting samples from patients without consent was legally permissible. Yet, today, some of Henrietta's family members harbor reservations about this practice. What set her cells apart was their remarkable ability to multiply every 20 to 24 hours, a phenomenon that became invaluable in cancer research, particularly in understanding the effects of radiation treatments. These cells, named HeLa cells in her honor, continue to be instrumental in unraveling medical mysteries, as they have been shared widely and are managed by a nonprofit organization linked to John Hopkins Hospital. The accompanying Op-Ed firmly argues against the practice of obtaining cell samples without the explicit permission of the patient or their family members, despite it being legal in the past. The Op-Ed passionately emphasizes that with the consent-based research prevalent today, scientific progress is more effective and ethically sound. Supporting Evidence The Op-Ed reinforces its position with solid scientific evidence. For instance, it highlights how HeLa cells have been instrumental in testing the effects of radiation, the study of the human genome, and advancing our understanding of viruses. This evidence underscores the significant scientific contributions made possible through Henrietta Lacks's cells and their ongoing relevance to medicine. Interconnected Themes These elements come together to narrate the remarkable story of Mrs. Henrietta and her enduring impact on the world. Her cells have not only revolutionized medicine but also spared countless individuals from potentially harmful medical experiments. This story emphasizes the importance of respecting her and the challenges her family faced regarding privacy. It serves as a reminder of the privacy rights we now enjoy. Mrs. Henrietta's role in advancing medical science cannot be overstated. Even though her battle with cancer ended when she was just 31, her cells have forever altered the course of medical history, enhancing our understanding of various diseases and therapeutic interventions. Her privacy issues of the past have raised awareness, and contemporary medical professionals are working diligently to ensure that she receives the recognition and respect she deserves. The impact of Henrietta Lacks is evident when the author states, "Today, these incredible cells — nicknamed 'HeLa' cells, from the first two letters of her first and last names — are used to study the effects of toxins, drugs, hormones, and viruses on the

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growth of cancer cells without experimenting on humans." Furthermore, the author's statement that "Although Mrs. Lacks ultimately passed away on October 4, 1951, at the age of 31, her cells continue to impact the world" underscores the enduring legacy of Henrietta's contribution to medical science. Finally, the commitment of today's medical institutions to honor her legacy is evident when the author mentions, "We are deeply committed to the ongoing efforts at our institutions and elsewhere to honor the contributions of Henrietta Lacks and to ensure the appropriate protection and care of the Lacks family’s medical information." This commitment reflects the medical community's recognition of the need to acknowledge Henrietta's role and protect her family's privacy.