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Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,121
Registered: ‎03-29-2015

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Wasn't sure where to put this notice, but I think here is appropriate since I'm sure a number of you have read this book.   HBO has made a movie basd on the book which will be shown sometime in 2017

 

From USA Today

 

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is about an African-American woman whose cells were harvested without her permission and used to produce the first immortal human cell line.  Oprah Winfrey will play her daughter, Deborah Lacks, who tells the story in the movie, which will follow her search to learn about the mother she never knew. She also seeks to understand how the collection of Lacks’ cancerous cells in 1951 led to medical breakthroughs.The story touches on medical privacy, race, poverty and relationships.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,287
Registered: ‎01-24-2013

Re: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I'll be watching! This is one of my all-time favorite books.

Thanks for the heads up @JillyMarie!
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,429
Registered: ‎04-16-2011

Re: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

I will watch it as well.  The book that details her life and the ways in which her cells have served as the foundation for so many scientific discoveries is exceptionally researched and well written in a manner that captivates the reader.  I agree that the book exposes disparities in health care, access to health, and all of the factors, especially those that are race based (although some would like to ignore this aspect) that determine how we are treated not just in health care but other domains as well.  It is a cautionary tale in that Lacks family has not benefitted financially in the ways that those that use her cells. While differing in some ways with the infamous Tuskegee Experiment, there are commonalities in both.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,287
Registered: ‎01-24-2013

Re: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Well said !