When Henrietta Lacks discovered a tumor inside of her in 1951, she turned to Johns Hopkins Medical Center for help. They examined her cells and discovered two things: First, she had cervical cancer. And second, her cells, for reasons we still can't explain, multiplied at astonishing rates, allowing doctors and pharmaceutical companies to use them to conduct all sorts of valuable research. Without Lacks knowledge or consent, her cells have been used to do amazing things, like create vaccinations for polio and HPV. But her case is most noteworthy for the ethical questions it forced us to face regarding medical consent, particularly within marginalized communities.

"Crimes of the Centuries" is a podcast from Grab Bag Collab exploring forgotten crimes from times past that made a mark and helped change history. You can get early and ad-free episodes on the Grab Bag Patreon page. 

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE CRIMES OF THE CENTURIES BOOK!  Order today at www.centuriespod.com/book (https://www.centuriespod.com/book)!

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @centuriespod

Storyworth. Give the dads in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years—Storyworth! Right now, save $10 during their Father’s Day sale when you go to Storyworth.com/cotc

Cornbread Hemp. Right now, Crimes Of The Centuries listeners can save 30% off their first order and enjoy free shipping on orders over $75! Head to cornbreadhemp.com/COTC and use code COTC at checkout.