Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

This legislation, titled the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, seeks to posthumously honor Henrietta Lacks with a Congressional Gold Medal. This recognition is for her immortal cells, known as HeLa cells , which have made invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, our quality of life, and patients' rights. The bill acknowledges that her cells were taken without her consent in 1951, leading to groundbreaking scientific advancements while also highlighting the ethical issues surrounding their initial collection. HeLa cells are the oldest and most widely used human cell line in scientific research, contributing to the development of the polio vaccine and treatments for diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson's disease. Her case has been a linchpin in establishing modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws, benefiting patients nationwide. Following its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for wider exhibition, and the Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates to the public.