The Henrietta Lacks Case

Words: 560
Pages: 3

1. Based on your readings and review of the Henrietta Lacks materials describe the rights of subjects that need to be protected in research. Identify the ways in which violation of each of these rights occurred in the case of Henrietta Lacks.
Informed consent is definitely one of the ethical issues in the Henrietta Lacks case. George Gey took Henrietta Lacks tissue samples and used them for research without her and her family consent. The tissue samples provided a quick way to test the effectiveness of polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and in vitro fertilization (Gross, 2010). However, informed consent should still be required, so the participants can understand the purpose, the procedures, and the potential risks and benefits of their