Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3498
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3498Health
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
INTRO MAY 19· LAST ACTION MAY 19
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
35
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it formally recognizes Henrietta Lacks' monumental, yet historically unconsented, contribution to modern medicine. Her cells, taken without her knowledge or permission, became foundational to countless medical advancements, from the polio vaccine to cancer treatments. For decades, her family received no recognition or benefit from these discoveries, and her case became a critical turning point in establishing patient rights and informed consent in medical research.
By awarding this medal, Congress acknowledges not only Lacks' scientific impact but also the profound ethical issues that arose from her story. It's a symbolic step towards rectifying historical injustices in medical research and reinforces the importance of ethical practices in science. If this bill becomes law, it will elevate Henrietta Lacks' story to a place of national honor, ensuring that her contributions and the ethical lessons from her experience are remembered and continuously discussed.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Henrietta Lacks.
This is the core action of the bill, providing the highest civilian honor to recognize her extraordinary, albeit unconsented, contribution to medical science.
PROVISION 02
Recognizes Henrietta Lacks' immortal cells for their invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, quality of life, and patients' rights.
This provision explicitly states the reasons for the award, highlighting both the scientific impact and the ethical legacy of her case.
PROVISION 03
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal.
This outlines the specific process for creating the medal itself, ensuring its quality and official designation.
PROVISION 04
Requires the gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research after its presentation.
This ensures the medal's long-term public accessibility and its role in educating future generations about Henrietta Lacks' legacy.
PROVISION 05
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
This allows the public to purchase commemorative versions of the medal, spreading awareness and potentially generating revenue for the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
This bill matters because it formally recognizes Henrietta Lacks' monumental, yet historically unconsented, contribution to modern medicine. Her cells, taken without her knowledge or permission, became foundational to countless medical advancements, from the polio vaccine to cancer treatments. For decades, her family received no recognition or benefit from these discoveries, and her case became a critical turning point in establishing patient rights and informed consent in medical research.
By awarding this medal, Congress acknowledges not only Lacks' scientific impact but also the profound ethical issues that arose from her story. It's a symbolic step towards rectifying historical injustices in medical research and reinforces the importance of ethical practices in science. If this bill becomes law, it will elevate Henrietta Lacks' story to a place of national honor, ensuring that her contributions and the ethical lessons from her experience are remembered and continuously discussed.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Henrietta Lacks.
This is the core action of the bill, providing the highest civilian honor to recognize her extraordinary, albeit unconsented, contribution to medical science.
high
Recognizes Henrietta Lacks' immortal cells for their invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, quality of life, and patients' rights.
This provision explicitly states the reasons for the award, highlighting both the scientific impact and the ethical legacy of her case.
med
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal.
This outlines the specific process for creating the medal itself, ensuring its quality and official designation.
med
Requires the gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research after its presentation.
This ensures the medal's long-term public accessibility and its role in educating future generations about Henrietta Lacks' legacy.
low
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.
This allows the public to purchase commemorative versions of the medal, spreading awareness and potentially generating revenue for the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
One of the highest civilian awards in the United States, given by the U.S. Congress for distinguished achievements and contributions.
HeLa Cells
An immortal cell line derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951, widely used in scientific research.
Immortal cell line
A population of cells from a multicellular organism that can grow and divide indefinitely in a laboratory, unlike normal cells which die after a limited number of divisions.
Bioethics
The study of ethical issues arising from advances in biology and medicine, especially in medical treatment and research.
Informed consent
The process by which a patient or research participant is given complete information about a medical procedure or study and voluntarily agrees to it.
United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund
A revolving fund that the U.S. Mint uses to pay for its operations, including the production of coins and medals, without direct appropriations from the general treasury.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 19, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 19, 25
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
