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Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressS-1893| Senate 
| Updated: 5/22/2025
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks. This recognition is for her "immortal cells," known as HeLa cells, which have profoundly contributed to global health, scientific research, and the advancement of patients' rights. The bill acknowledges that these cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and have since been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine and treatments for various diseases. HeLa cells have been foundational for biomedical research, leading to several Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and informing modern bioethics policies, particularly regarding informed consent . After its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for it to be displayed at other relevant locations. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4031
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2485
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
May 19, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3498
Introduced in House
May 22, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 22, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4031
    Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2485
    Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • May 19, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3498
    Introduced in House


  • May 22, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 22, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3498: Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

USA119th CongressS-1893| Senate 
| Updated: 5/22/2025
This bill proposes to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks. This recognition is for her "immortal cells," known as HeLa cells, which have profoundly contributed to global health, scientific research, and the advancement of patients' rights. The bill acknowledges that these cells were taken without her consent in 1951 and have since been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine and treatments for various diseases. HeLa cells have been foundational for biomedical research, leading to several Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and informing modern bioethics policies, particularly regarding informed consent . After its presentation, the gold medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research, with a recommendation for it to be displayed at other relevant locations. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4031
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2485
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
May 19, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-3498
Introduced in House
May 22, 2025
Introduced in Senate
May 22, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4031
    Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2485
    Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act


  • May 19, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-3498
    Introduced in House


  • May 22, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • May 22, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Chris Van Hollen

Chris Van Hollen

Democratic Senator

Maryland

Cosponsors (1)
Angela D. Alsobrooks (Democratic)

Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Health

Related Bills

  • HR 119-3498: Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted