Response to "A Village of Henriettas"

I believe that perhaps Deborah and the family expressed not being ready to see the cells and medical records because they were essentially left in the dark concerning medicine and science, the reality of her cells, and perhaps the concept of “immortal” cells in general. Furthermore, they may have felt that in seeing her cells they would ultimately be seeing a piece of Henrietta, and that seeing them may be like seeing Henrietta again. Another reason why the family may have expressed that they weren’t ready may be their faith. For science and Henrietta’s immortal cells challenge or disrupt their religious beliefs or prays. The Lacks were confronted by the fact that her cells being still alive may mean that Henrietta's spirit had been sent back to earth. Also, the Lacks may have been apprehensive in being involved with medicine, science, and a hospital due to the medical injustices against Henrietta and predominately black individuals. I can say personally I would feel rather uneasy if I were to possible see an “immortal” part of a lost loved one, especially something which was unethically obtained by the medical industry.

Angela B.