The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Author: Rebecca Skloot

Year: 2010

Language: English

Description: This book chronicles the life of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in the 1950s. These cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important tools in medicine, contributing to numerous medical breakthroughs. Skloot explores both the scientific and ethical dimensions of Lacks' legacy, interweaving the story of her family's struggles with the advancements in science that her cells helped bring about. It also highlights issues related to racism, medical ethics, and the exploitation of African Americans in scientific research.