Hela Cells Argumentative Essay

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Recommended: Medicine past and present

Doctors at a California university removed a man’s spleen, standard treatment for a type of leukemia, and the disease did not recur. Researchers kept the spleen cells alive in a nutrient medium. They found that some of the cells produced a blood protein that showed promise as a treatment for cancer and AIDS. The researchers patented the cells. The patient sued, claiming a share of the profits from any products derived from the cells. The California Supreme Court ruled against the patient, stating that his suit “threatens to destroy the economic incentive to conduct important medical research.” The U.S Supreme Court agreed.

Prior to the surgery, the patient signed a surgical consent form that included the following statement:

“In addition, I authorize the Hospital to dispose of at their convenience, any specimens or tissue taken from my body during my hospitalization.” …show more content…

Do you think the patient was treated fairly?

Prepare a short paper (one page minimum) discussing your thoughts on this case. The paper must be double-spaced, 12 font with 1.25 inch margins on the side and one-inch margins on top and bottom. Also research HeLa cells and include in your paper a brief section on your thoughts regarding the ethical treatment of Henrietta Lacks and her family. What was the difference between her case and the California man’s case?

Be sure to cite your sources.

This assignment is worth 20 points and must be submitted through Blackboard by 8:00 am Monday, Aug.

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