Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Science research can often play a vital role in the quest to improve the health and wellness of all humans. But have you ever wondered how decisions involving the common good and individual rights, informed consent, human suffering, and greed are made? Perhaps more importantly, have you ever weighed the ethical and practical implications of these decisions? Eye-opening and heart breaking, this compelling story tells the true tale of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman who lived in the early 1950s. Diagnosed with cervical cancer, Doctors discovered her cancer cells grew exponentially in the lab. Without her permission, cells were shared with countless labs and research centers for free, and ultimately for profit, all in the name of science research. The ensuing story weaves together the undertreated and painful demise of Mrs. Lacks, her family's fear of medicine and the ethics of the impact of race on healthcare. The revolutionary impact Mrs. Lacks cells had on the development of the polio vaccine, cloning, cancer treatments and more are also considered. Thoroughly researched, this extraordinary book exposes the dark side of medical research and race ethics. Includes extensive notes, index, and a reader's guide. 382 pgs, pb. ~Deanne