We fell short of our Fall Fundraiser goal of 2,500 donations. Help us catch up ⏩ Give Now

Who owns Henrietta Lacks' cells?

Jul 9, 2018
A lawyer representing the infamous cell line originator's grandsons is trying to establish guardianship.
Attendees admire a painting of Henrietta Lacks at HBO's The HeLa Project Exhibit For "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" on April 6, 2017 in New York City. A lawsuit against a pharma company from Lacks' descendants brings up a host of ethical questions surrounding medical profits, intellectual property and racial equity.
Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for HBO