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Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Congressional Gold Medal for Medical Contributions

This act posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks, whose cells (HeLa) were crucial for medical advancements and scientific research. It is a symbolic recognition of her unwitting contribution to global health and patient rights, emphasizing the importance of ethics in medical research.
Key points
Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Awarding a Congressional Gold Medal for her invaluable contribution to science and medicine.
Significance of HeLa Cells: Highlighting the role of Henrietta Lacks' cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases.
Impact on Patient Rights: Recognizing that Henrietta Lacks' story contributed to modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws.
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_4031
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Process start date: 2022-04-07
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_4031.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2022-04-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Awarding a Congressional Gold Medal for her invaluable contribution to science and medicine.
  • Significance of HeLa Cells: Highlighting the role of Henrietta Lacks' cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases.
  • Impact on Patient Rights: Recognizing that Henrietta Lacks' story contributed to modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

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Health Media and Culture