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Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act: Honoring Medical Contributions and Patient Rights

This act posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks, whose cells (HeLa) were crucial for medical advancements and scientific research. It's a symbolic recognition of her unwitting contribution to global health and progress in patient rights, emphasizing the importance of informed consent in medical research.
Key points
Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal for her invaluable contribution to science and medicine.
Significance of HeLa Cells: Highlighting the role of her cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases, impacting millions of lives.
Impact on Patient Rights: Acknowledging her story as pivotal for the development of bioethics principles and informed consent in medical research, protecting patients.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_4122
Sponsor: Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
Process start date: 2023-06-14
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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 118_HR_4122.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-06-14.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal for her invaluable contribution to science and medicine.
  • Significance of HeLa Cells: Highlighting the role of her cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases, impacting millions of lives.
  • Impact on Patient Rights: Acknowledging her story as pivotal for the development of bioethics principles and informed consent in medical research, protecting patients.
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 Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in House

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Health Media and Culture