The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Description
This compelling narrative intertwines the groundbreaking advancements in modern medicine with the deeply personal story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells became a cornerstone of scientific research. Without her knowledge or consent, her "immortal" cells, known as HeLa, were harvested and have since been instrumental in developing countless life-saving treatments and technologies, from the polio vaccine to in vitro fertilization. The book masterfully explores the ethical quandaries surrounding medical experimentation, informed consent, and the often-unacknowledged contributions of marginalized communities, while also chronicling the author's own journey to uncover the truth and connect with the Lacks family.
Available Editions
paperback
Crown
Published Feb 2, 2010
386 pages
ISBN: 9781400052172
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Details
First Published
2010
Language
eng
Featured in Challenges
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.