From Curiosity to Commitment- The Journey of Rebecca Skloot’s Fascination with Henrietta Lacks
How Did Skloot Become Interested in Henrietta Lacks?
Kathy Scrivo Skloot, an American author, became fascinated with Henrietta Lacks after discovering a story that would change her life forever. The journey of how Skloot became interested in Henrietta Lacks began with a simple assignment for a medical school class. The story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used for medical research, had been a topic of interest for many years. However, it was Skloot’s own personal connection to the story that would propel her to explore it further.
In her medical school class, Skloot was assigned to read a journal article about Henrietta Lacks. The article, written by Rebecca Skloot’s father, was the first time she learned about the famous HeLa cell line and its impact on modern medicine. The more she read, the more she became intrigued by the complex ethical issues surrounding Henrietta Lacks’ story. This initial spark of curiosity would eventually lead her to embark on a decade-long journey to uncover the truth about Henrietta Lacks and her family.
Skloot’s interest in Henrietta Lacks was further fueled by her desire to understand the human side of scientific research. She was troubled by the fact that Henrietta Lacks’ cells had been used in countless experiments and medical advancements, yet her own family remained in the dark about her contributions. This realization led Skloot to delve into the lives of Henrietta’s family members, hoping to shed light on the impact of their mother’s cells on their lives.
Her research took her to various locations, including the Lacks family’s hometown in Maryland, the laboratories where Henrietta’s cells were first cultivated, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Skloot spent countless hours interviewing family members, scientists, and medical professionals, piecing together the story of Henrietta Lacks and her enduring legacy.
The result of Skloot’s extensive research was the critically acclaimed book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” The book not only tells the story of Henrietta Lacks but also delves into the ethical implications of medical research and the human cost of scientific progress. Through her work, Skloot has brought attention to the importance of informed consent and the need for transparency in medical research.
In conclusion, Kathy Scrivo Skloot’s interest in Henrietta Lacks was sparked by a medical school assignment that would ultimately lead her to write a groundbreaking book. Her dedication to uncovering the truth about Henrietta Lacks and her family has not only shed light on the ethical issues surrounding medical research but has also brought the story of Henrietta Lacks to the forefront of public consciousness.
