Bill > S2485

This bill proposes to award a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose immortal cancer cells, known as HeLa cells, have made invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, quality of life, and patients' rights. The bill outlines Henrietta Lacks' background, the discovery and use of her cells without her consent, and the significant medical advancements that have been made possible by her cells, including the development of the polio vaccine and drugs used to treat various diseases. The bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the posthumous presentation of the medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research purposes.