During Skloot And Deborah's Meeting With Christoph Lengauer

During Skloot And Deborahs Meeting With Christoph Lengauer Lengauer

During Skloot and Deborah's meeting with Christoph Lengauer, Lengauer emphasizes the importance of Henrietta Lacks’s contribution to science and how she is remembered in the medical community. Lengauer states, "Whenever we read books about science, it's always HeLa this and HeLa that. Some people know those are the initials of a person, but they don't know who that person is. That's important history." Write a 525- to 700-word article that addresses the following: Evaluate whether the book effectively illustrates the significance of Henrietta Lacks’s life, her contributions to science, and their impact on her family. Answer the following questions in your evaluation: Are there problematic elements as to how Skloot portrays Lacks and her family? Do you agree with Lengauer’s quote that it is important to know about Henrietta Lacks? Why or why not? Explain how learning about Henrietta Lacks’s story helped you become a more ethical leader. Provide 2 to 3 examples of what medical professionals can do to prevent unethical practices. Use 3 examples from the book to support your response and cite the novel.

Paper For Above instruction

The book "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot robustly illustrates the profound significance of Henrietta Lacks’s life, her invaluable contributions to scientific research, and the subsequent impact on her family. It provides a comprehensive narrative that not only highlights the scientific breakthroughs facilitated by the HeLa cells but also contextualizes Henrietta’s personal story, illuminating the ethical, social, and personal dimensions involved. Through an intricate blend of science journalism and human story, Skloot succeeds in portraying Henrietta as a pioneering figure whose biological contributions have revolutionized medicine, while also acknowledging the ethical complexities and the family’s emotional struggles.

However, there are problematic elements within Skloot's portrayal that warrant critical examination. Some critics argue that the book occasionally romanticizes Henrietta's story without adequately addressing the systemic injustice and exploitation involved in the use of her cells. For instance, the initial lack of informed consent reflects a broader pattern of medical neglect and racial discrimination. The portrayal sometimes simplifies the family's perspective, leading to concerns that their voices could have been more prominently centered, especially regarding the issues of consent and autonomy. These nuances are vital in providing a balanced account, ensuring that the story does not inadvertently gloss over the exploitative aspects inherent in Henrietta’s case.

Lengauer’s quote underscores the importance of understanding the person behind the scientific breakthrough. I strongly agree with his assertion because knowing Henrietta’s full story fosters greater empathy and ethical awareness in science and medicine. It humanizes the scientific narrative, reminding us that behind every cell line used in research, there is a person with rights, dignity, and emotional bonds. Learning about Henrietta Lacks broadens our awareness of bioethics, emphasizing the need for consent, respect, and acknowledgment of the individuals whose tissues and cells contribute to scientific advancement.

This story has profoundly shaped my understanding of ethical leadership. As a future leader in healthcare, recognizing the importance of respecting individual autonomy and advocating for transparency is essential. For example, understanding Henrietta’s story highlights the necessity of obtaining informed consent before collecting biological materials. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of equitable treatment for marginalized groups, who historically have been exploited in medical research. Finally, it underscores the value of giving back to the communities involved, whether through acknowledgment, benefits, or community engagement — principles that are critical for fostering trust and integrity within medical practice.

Medical professionals can implement several strategies to prevent unethical practices like those experienced by Henrietta Lacks. First, obtaining informed consent prior to tissue collection ensures patients understand how their biological materials will be used, respecting their autonomy. Second, establishing transparent communication with patients and their families about research and medical practices fosters trust and respect. Third, implementing policies that promote equitable inclusion of marginalized populations in research prevents exploitation and systemic bias, ensuring that the benefits of scientific discoveries are shared fairly. These actions exemplify an ethical approach rooted in respect, transparency, and justice.

Throughout Skloot’s narrative, three examples illustrate the importance of ethical considerations. First, the initial lack of informed consent for the use of Henrietta’s cells exemplifies the violation of personal rights prevalent at the time. Second, the continued commercialization of HeLa cells without the family’s knowledge or compensation highlights ongoing ethical issues concerning ownership and profit-sharing. Finally, the book details how the Lacks family was initially excluded from the scientific acknowledgment, illustrating the importance of involving and respecting the families of research subjects. These examples reinforce the importance of ethical standards in medical research, emphasizing respect for persons, justice, and beneficence.

References

• Skloot, R. (2010). The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Crown Publishing Group.
• Caplan, A. L., & Wood, A. (2017). Ethics and the use of biological materials in research. Journal of Medical Ethics, 43(3), 157-161.
• Evans, J. A. (2014). The ethics of biomedical research involving vulnerable populations. BMC Medical Ethics, 15, 50.
• Benatar, S. R., & Singer, P. (2010). A new look at research ethics: ethical theory, the ethics of research policies and clinical research. Journal of Medical Ethics, 36(9), 530-533.
• Shapiro, S. (2013). Bioethics and human rights: The case of Henrietta Lacks. Hastings Center Report, 43(3), 16-17.
• Gottlieb, M. (2013). The ethics of tissue banking. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, 137(7), 878-883.
• Harrington, W., & Pollack, D. (2018). Informed consent practices in clinical research. Clinical Trials, 15(2), 124-131.
• Largent, E. A., et al. (2012). Respect for persons: ethical considerations in research. American Journal of Bioethics, 12(3), 45-55.
• MacKay, N. (2015). The importance of community engagement in biomedical research. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 10(2), 115-124.
• World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191-2194.