Over the summer, I read a fantastic nonfiction book, titled The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (here is the book trailer). It was written by Rebecca Skloot. This book made me think differently about going to the doctor, about how scientific discoveries are made, about privacy (especially medical privacy), and about how research is conducted.Henrietta Lacks's cells have multiplied trillions of times. Her cells have literally been used to develop cancer treatments, vaccines (including polio, an almost unheard of disease in the US), in vitro fertilization, gene mapping, and cloning. All of these advances are fantastic for science and, not only the American public, but humankind. However, the advances were made without the knowledge or consent of the woman from whom the cells came. Her body helped science, but science did nothing for her. Worse than nothing, scientific companies, individuals, research centers and universitires have made millions off of her cells, but at the same time her family was living uneducated and poor in Baltimore. They couldn't even afford the benefits of the medical advancements their family helped to provide. The injustice the book uncovers is profound. As one reads, one is forced to question whether the events of the book could have possibly happened if Henrietta Lacks had been well educated and/or white. I won't claim to know the answer to that questions, but I have a strong suspicion that her race and background played a big part in what happened to her and her family.
People are too quick to brush off science as boring. This book was not only interesting, it seems to me that it is really important to read this book and understand how scientific discoveries move society forward. At the same time, we should understand that science has its own ideas of ethics. As individuals in this society, we need to know what our medical rights are and how to protect them. If we don't protect ourselves, no one will protect us. If nothing else, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks convinced me (again) that knowledge is power. Without knowledge, it is all too easy for society to take advantage of the unknowing individual.
i agree science isn't boring at all if you look at the different types of science and the things science can be used for Great Point !!!!
ReplyDeleteSeem like a really great book and from reading your post I came up with many question about the book. I agree people are very quick to brush off science as boring, I do it as well, but hopefully I can read something as interesting as this book to change my point of view.
ReplyDeleteI agree that science is nowhere near boring. Also it seem like this book made you understand that everything is not what it seems
ReplyDeletei agree from reading your post my view on the doctors is a little uncertain and i would like to read this book.
ReplyDelete