Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill 117 HR 7091, 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. The medal would be presented to her family in recognition of her significant impact on medical research and the field of science.

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, with lawmakers from both parties recognizing the importance of honoring Henrietta Lacks and her legacy. Supporters of the bill believe that awarding her with a Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute to her contributions to science and medicine. Overall, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the life of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells have played a crucial role in numerous medical breakthroughs. The bill highlights the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals like Lacks to the advancement of science and medicine.