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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. This symbolic honor highlights her unwitting contribution to global health and patient rights, while also serving as a reminder of ethical considerations in medical research.
Key points
Posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks for her invaluable contributions to science and medicine.
The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for public display and research.
The act emphasizes the significance of HeLa cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases, impacting millions of lives.
Highlights Henrietta Lacks' role in shaping modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws for patients.
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_1893
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Process start date: 2025-05-22
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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 119_S_1893.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-05-22.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks for her invaluable contributions to science and medicine.
  • The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for public display and research.
  • The act emphasizes the significance of HeLa cells in developing vaccines, drugs, and understanding diseases, impacting millions of lives.
  • Highlights Henrietta Lacks' role in shaping modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws for patients.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

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 2025-12-23.

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