HeLa cells were taken from an African American women who was a tobacco farmer named Henrietta Lacks; she was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 30.These HeLa cells were taken from her without her consent and the family still has not received a penny for their mother's tremendous contribution to the society of medicine. Besides the unlawful factors of attaining these cells, they have saved numerous lives. Personally these discoveries justify the use of HeLa cells. HeLa cells have made it possible to develop a polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, HPV vaccine, drugs for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.
HeLa cells were the first cells to be used for cloning, and to be sent up in space to analyze what would happen to human cells in space. Due to the fact that these cells are immortal and reproduce at a rapid pace, it allows them to be mass produced and observed and it also led to the creation of the field of cell culture. There are an immense amount of discoveries made by these truly unique cells, about 70,000 medical studies have been put to action using these cells, leading to extraordinary findings (1). In addition to all its significant drugs its been used for, its also been used in studies to find drugs for herpes, Leukemia, influenza lactose digestion to mosquito mating (1). The ethics behind taking Henrietta Lacks's cells may have been incorrect but in all, her cells have helped save an abundance of peoples lives.
Cites
1. Silver, Marc. "A New Chapter in the immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 16 Aug. 2013. Web. 11 Jan, 2015.
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