Finishing part two of this book, I came to realize what would the effects be if Henrietta's doctor did ask permission to take the cells? Would the family not allow them to take the cells, or would they? After reading about the benefits and discoveries that came out of the research with these cells, I realized that maybe it was the right decision to take without asking.
As I was reading I stumbled upon page 142. This was the page that changed my whole perspective because it listed all of the benefits that came from the research with these cells. Skloot wrote that by creating hybrid cells, scientists were able to "begin mapping human genes," "create cancer therapies like Herceptin," and they were able to increase the safety in blood transfusions. Although that doesn't stop there. According to the book, HeLa cells were used to see the effects of space on a cell and more. Clearly if the family knew before hand what the cells could do, they would say yes because whenever the family was asked about how the felt about the cell research, they said that it was good because Henrietta Lacks liked to help people and she would be happy if she knew that she was helping people after her death. Although what would happen if they said no?
Some reasons why are more on their moral values. Taking advantage of a woman who was dying was clearly out of the question. Another reason would be that the Lacks' didn't want Henrietta to suffer more than she has already. The effects of them saying no would be quite life changing to many people. The vaccines, treatments and safety methods of today may not be present because scientists wouldn't have been able to find cells that multiply as fast and can live as long.
So is there an exception on testing people if it brings results? Or should we respect every person's opinion with the risk of slowing down the progress of scientific research that could save lives but allow the families and friends of the "victim" to live without a feeling of betrayal from people they thought they could trust?
3 comments:
Unfortunately,there's always going to be abuse of peoples' rights, especially if they aren't properly informed. I think, though, that even with all the medical advances gained through HeLa cell research, it wasn't ethical not to ask permission. If doctors don't respect their patients enough to ask for permission to use their cells for research, and patients feel betrayed, it will be very hard for people to feel as though they can trust the motives of people in the medical field. Because of all the good that came from HeLa cell research, it's almost hard to say that it wasn't justified. But I think that if doctors take the time to get the consent of patients, and explain to them the benefit of using their cells, most patients will willingly let their cells be used. If she said no... honestly I think doctors would have to respect that. There are billions of people in the world, and it wouldn't bother many. Doctors can always try to convince patients too, if they believe in the importance of it. Legally, doctors can use your cells for research, if they are willingly discarded by you at your doctor's office.
I think if they tried explaining what the cells would be used for that back in the day people had more moral values and would say no to using cells for research. In a way it was wrong that they took the cells without asking, but look at the benefits that it has given scientific research. It's interesting to think of what would have happened if the doctors asked the family and they said no. Would we be this far in science without those cells?
Giving consent is always something that should be done when people are putting up parts of their body for science. We cannot just take advantage of the people that lack the knowledge of what is going on. It is the doctor's job to be informing people about the science of what a person's cells or other body parts could be used for and how that can help millions of people in the future. I believe that if doctors took the time to talk to their patients then they would comprehend it and I feel like a lot of people are willing to donate a part of themselves to science. I agree with Jess, the doctors can keep trying to persuade people if they truely have a passion about it and are going to respect other people. If we don't ask, we may never know.
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