Henrietta Lacks’ family settles with Thermo Fisher over claims of profiting from cloning her cervical cells in a racist medical system.

Henrietta Lacks' family settles with Thermo Fisher over claims of profiting from cloning her cervical cells in a racist medical system.

Henrietta Lacks’ Legacy: A Landmark Settlement for the Family of Medical Pioneer

Tissue taken from the tumor of a Black woman named Henrietta Lacks before her death from cervical cancer in 1951 has had an immeasurable impact on modern medicine. These cells, known as HeLa cells, were the first human cells to be successfully cloned and have since become a cornerstone of scientific and medical advancements. They played a vital role in the development of the polio vaccine, genetic mapping, and even COVID-19 vaccines. Yet, for over seven decades, the Lacks family had never been compensated for the use of these cells.

The recent settlement agreement between the Lacks family and Thermo Fisher Scientific marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Henrietta Lacks and her descendants. The negotiations took place behind closed doors in a federal courthouse in Baltimore and resulted in a confidential settlement. Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Lacks family, announced the agreement after the talks concluded.

The story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cells is an extraordinary tale of scientific wonder and the ethical complexities that arise from medical advancements. Lacks, a poor tobacco farmer from southern Virginia, was just 31 years old when she passed away. She left behind five children and an enduring legacy that would shape the course of medicine.

During a routine biopsy, doctors saved a sample of Lacks’ cervical cancer cells. Little did they know that these cells would possess unique properties, defying the typical fate of cell samples that would die shortly after removal from the body. Lacks’ cells, however, thrived in laboratories, becoming the first immortalized human cell line. This breakthrough allowed scientists worldwide to conduct studies using identical cells, opening the door to countless medical breakthroughs.

Rebecca Skloot’s bestselling book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” brought attention to the remarkable science behind the HeLa cells and the far-reaching impact on the Lacks family. The book’s success led to an HBO movie adaptation, in which Oprah Winfrey portrayed Lacks’ daughter, Deborah. Through Skloot’s work, the public gained insight into the Lacks family’s struggles with chronic illnesses and lack of access to health insurance.

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The exploitation of Henrietta Lacks and her descendants through the commercialization of the HeLa cell line highlights a deeper issue within the American medical system: racism. Lacks’ grandchildren and other descendants filed a complaint, arguing that her treatment exemplifies a long history of medical experimentation and racism against Black people in the United States.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, based in Waltham, Massachusetts, faced accusations of continuous benefitting from the cells, despite the expiration of the statute of limitations. They contended that the case should be dismissed, but the family’s attorneys maintained that the ongoing commercialization justified their filing.

Johns Hopkins Medicine, the institution involved in Lacks’ treatment and the subsequent use of her cells, denied profiting from the HeLa cells and emphasized their ethical responsibility. However, the controversy surrounding the case shed light on the wider systemic issues within medical research and treatment.

The settlement brings some closure to the Lacks family, but it also serves as a reminder of the continued struggles for racial justice in America. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for representing victims of police violence, has been instrumental in this case, fighting for the rights and recognition of Henrietta Lacks and her contributions to modern medicine.

In recognition of Lacks’ life-saving contributions, U.S. senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin proposed a bill to posthumously award her the Congressional Gold Medal. This prestigious honor would acknowledge the immense impact of Lacks’ immortal cells and the lasting legacy she left.

The settlement between the Lacks family and Thermo Fisher Scientific is a step towards addressing the injustices that persist in the medical field. It serves as a reminder of the need for equity, transparency, and fair compensation for marginalized communities whose contributions have propelled scientific and medical progress.

Henrietta Lacks changed the world through her cells, and now, finally, her family’s journey towards justice has taken a significant leap forward. As we marvel at the extraordinary scientific advancements made possible by the HeLa cells, let us also reflect on the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of individuals whose stories have often been overlooked or forgotten.