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In 1951, at the age of 31, Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During a biopsy, this young mother’s cells were taken without her knowledge or consent, which eventually established a cell line known as HeLa cells. Many regard HeLa cells to be one of the most important scientific tools. This was due to a special ability they possess. Unlike other cells, Henrietta Lacks’ cells could survive and proliferate outside of the human body. This made them invaluable in scientific research. HeLa cells were used to develop the polio vaccine and are used today in genetics, cancer, and viral research. However, the erasure of the woman who HeLa cells came from is an action that cannot continue. The injustices committed cannot be pushed aside due to the benefits this cell line has provided. This is the story of Henrietta Lacks and what that story means in terms of ethics.

The following is a simplified timeline of important historical events within the field of bioethics.

The Declaration of Helsinki is a cornerstone document in the history of medical ethics. It was formulated by the World Medical Association (WMA) in 1964 and outlines the ethical principles for conducting medical research involving human subjects. It was written in the aftermath of the Second World War and its atrocities and represents a significant step forward in safeguarding human dignity and preventing research abuses.

Bioethics grapples with complex questions; understanding its history is vital to navigating them effectively. Looking back, we gain valuable insights into how our ethical frameworks evolved, how social and technological landscapes shifted, and how ongoing debates shape our approach to challenging biological issues.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has a vast and complicated history starting from 1981 with many ethical, social, and even economic implications. This article will discuss the ethical impacts of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on one particular demographic: LGBTQ+ individuals. This demographic experiences HIV diagnoses at a higher rate than other demographics; for example, 7.1% of US adults identify as LGBTQ+, but over half of HIV diagnoses are LGBTQ+. We will explore the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, followed by its the ethical implications.