BALTIMORE (AP) — After more than 70 years, the descendants of Henrietta Lacks have reached a settlement with a biotechnology company accused of profiting from her cells without her consent. Lacks’ cervical cells, taken without her knowledge, became the first human cells to continuously grow in lab dishes, contributing to numerous medical advancements. Despite their immense impact, her family had never been compensated. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the company in question, had been accused of unjustly enriching itself off Lacks’ cells and commercializing the results. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.
Lacks’ immortalized cells, known as HeLa cells, have been essential in scientific research. While most cell samples die shortly after removal from the body, her cells survived and thrived in laboratories. The remarkable science behind it and the Lacks family’s experiences were documented in the book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. The family’s complaint highlighted the broader issue of racism within the U.S. medical system. Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Lacks’ cells were harvested, stated that it never sold or profited from the cell lines, but other companies have patented ways of using them.
The Lacks family’s lawsuit argued that the exploitation of Henrietta Lacks exemplifies the historical medical racism experienced by Black people. Thermo Fisher attempted to have the case dismissed due to the statute of limitations, but the family’s attorneys contended that the company continues to benefit from the cells. Johns Hopkins Medicine maintained that it has never sold or profited from the HeLa cells but acknowledged an ethical responsibility. The family had previously reached an agreement with the National Institutes of Health in 2013 regarding the use of the DNA code from HeLa cells.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Lacks family, announced the settlement and commemorated Henrietta Lacks’ 103rd birthday. Lawrence Lacks Sr., Henrietta Lacks’ surviving child, was present at the announcement. The settlement signifies justice for Henrietta Lacks after a long fight spanning over 70 years. U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin have also introduced a bill to posthumously award Lacks the Congressional Gold Medal, acknowledging her contributions to modern medicine.