Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill awards posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Henrietta Lacks in recognition of her immortal cells which have made invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, our quality of life, and patients' rights.

Bill 118 hr 4122, also known as the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, is a piece of legislation that aims to honor the life and contributions of Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and used for medical research, leading to numerous scientific advancements.

The bill proposes awarding Henrietta Lacks with a Congressional Gold Medal, which is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States. This medal would be given posthumously to recognize her significant impact on medical research and the field of science.

The legislation highlights the importance of informed consent in medical research and aims to raise awareness about the ethical implications of using individuals' cells for scientific purposes without their knowledge or consent. It also acknowledges the contributions of Henrietta Lacks to the field of medicine and the countless lives that have been saved as a result of her cells. Overall, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act seeks to honor a remarkable woman whose legacy continues to inspire and educate people around the world.