The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks died very young from a cervix cancer. Her cervix cells were taken without her knowledge and consent. They contributed to significant progress in medical research but they were also used for non-pacific experiences she may never have agreed on. Her non-educated family was left in the dark for many years. They imagined the worst scenarios. They were frustrated their mother’s contribution to science was not acknowledged and to furthermore not be able to afford medical treatment themselves. Should they benefit a portion of the profit generated by these cells?

Apart from the story of Henrietta, her family, their feelings and the contribution of her cells to science, this book ends with a chapter on what is allowed regarding the blood and cells we leave behind after medical treatment. The situation did not evolve so much. These samples are considered as waste for doctors/researchers to dispose as they wish. Consent is still not required to experiment on these samples. What evolved a bit is the respect of the patients’ right to privacy.