KhizooologyThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
A scientific contribution does not erase a person's rights.
Big Idea
Skloot connects the history of HeLa cells with Henrietta Lacks's life, her family, and questions about consent and justice.
A person behind cells
Henrietta Lacks is more than the source of a scientific resource.
Consent
Cells taken without her knowledge raise ethical questions about medical research.
Scientific impact
HeLa's research significance is inseparable from the human history of its collection.
Family experience
The account follows the Lacks family's efforts to understand what happened.
Justice
Scientific benefits do not resolve questions about recognition, access, and unequal power.
Notooo Take
Ask whose permission and interests are represented in a scientific success story.
One Thing to Keep
A scientific contribution does not erase a person's rights.