Watch the documentary "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" (-1.5 hrs) and answer the following questions. There are several copies of this video at the LHU library that you can borrow for 2 days. It will be on reserve at the front desk. The video is also available to rent through amazon for 63, or free If you have an HBO Max account.
Watch the full video and answer the following questions on separate paper or typed into a word document.
- What are HeLa Cells?
- Why are they so important to medical science?
- Throughout the movie, you'll hear many medical advances that are due to HeLa Cells. List at least 5. You may need to move onto the next question before you have an answer.
- Why is this Journalist (Rebecca Skloot) Interested in Henrietta Lack's story (how does her personal life relate)?
- Describe Deborah Lack's reaction to the initial request from Rebecca?
- What does Rebecca learn when she meets some of Henrietta's family?
- Describe the face-to-face meeting between Deborah and Rebecca.
- Why did scientists want Debora's cells?
- How does Henrietta's family describe her?
- When Rebecca, Debora, and Gladys are talking about Elsie (one of Henrietta's children), what do they learn?
- What happens when Rebecca interviews the doctors that took blood from Henrietta's children?
- Describe the meeting between Rebecca and a potential publisher for her book.
- Why is Laurence upset with Deborah when they are having dinner and she brings up their mother?
- What's the deal with Sir Lord Keenan Kester Cofield, Esquire? 15. What do Deborah and Rebecca learn when they look through Henrietta's medical records?
- Elsie's medical records?
- What happens when Deborah and Rebecca return to Clover after looking at the medical records?
- Describe what happens when they visit John Hopkins?
- What does Rebecca learn when she returns to Clover, trying to find Debora? After you watch the video answer the following questions. (You will probably also need to use the Internet to help you answer some of these questions)
- How does learning about their mother and sister help Henrietta's children? In what ways does it hurt them?
- At the end of the story, does the Lacks family have a satisfactory outcome after their decades of struggling with the HeLa industry? What does satisfactory mean for them?
- Why does Rebecca Skloot bring up the Tuskegee Institute syphilis studies? What Issues were raised from those experiments?
The Immortal Legacy of Henrietta Lacks: A Story of Medical Science and Ethical Dilemmas
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" delves into the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells, known as HeLa cells, were taken without her consent in the 1950s and have since been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs. The documentary sheds light on the impact of Henrietta's cells on medical science, the ethical implications of their use, and the personal journey of journalist Rebecca Skloot as she unravels the story behind HeLa cells.
HeLa cells are a line of immortal cells derived from Henrietta Lacks' cervical cancer cells. These cells have the unique ability to replicate indefinitely in a laboratory setting, making them invaluable for scientific research. HeLa cells have been crucial in developing vaccines, studying disease mechanisms, and advancing fields such as genetics and cell biology. Their robust nature and genetic stability have made them a cornerstone of modern biomedical research.
Throughout the documentary, several medical advances attributed to HeLa cells are highlighted, including the development of the polio vaccine, advancements in cancer research, insights into cell biology, and contributions to gene mapping and cloning technologies. The remarkable capabilities of HeLa cells have paved the way for numerous scientific discoveries and revolutionized various areas of medical science.
Rebecca Skloot's interest in Henrietta Lacks' story stems from her desire to uncover the woman behind the famous cells and to give voice to Henrietta's legacy. Skloot's personal investment in the story is fueled by her empathy for Henrietta's family, particularly her daughter Deborah Lack, who grapples with the complexities of her mother's immortal cells and the ethical considerations surrounding their use in research. Skloot's journey intertwines with Deborah's quest for understanding and closure, creating a poignant narrative of discovery and reconciliation.
In conclusion,
"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" illuminates the intersection of scientific progress, ethical dilemmas, and personal narratives within the realm of medical research. The documentary underscores the importance of recognizing the individuals behind scientific achievements, confronting issues of consent and exploitation in research practices, and engaging with communities impacted by scientific discoveries. Henrietta Lacks' story serves as a powerful reminder of the complex interplay between science, ethics, and human experiences in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.