Summary

When presented with the details of Henrietta’s stories, most people feel that taking her cells without her knowledge was illegal. It is illegal now, but it wasn't in 1951. Blood and tissue samples are filed now. The RAND Corporation estimated that sample tissues of more than 178 million people were on file in the United States. Tissue research is growing by leaps and bounds. Samples are used to develop vaccines and other products. As of 2009 when the book went to press, no law had been established on whether or not a person has a right to control the use of one’s tissues. Consent for their use and profits from the use of tissues are the two main points of controversy in tissue research. Tissue research is not covered by federal policy. However, doctors and scientists are required to procure consent forms from patients like...