Bills · S 1893
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1893Health
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
INTRO MAY 22· LAST ACTION MAY 22
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it formally recognizes a pivotal figure in medical history whose story highlights both groundbreaking scientific progress and profound ethical issues. Henrietta Lacks's cells were vital for developing vaccines, cancer treatments, and other medical advancements, but they were taken and used without her knowledge or consent, raising serious questions about patient rights, medical ethics, and racial disparities in healthcare.
By awarding this medal, Congress acknowledges her involuntary contribution and draws attention to the ongoing importance of informed consent and patient advocacy. If this bill becomes law, it provides a high-profile, national honor that will help keep Henrietta Lacks's story alive, educating future generations about the origins of modern biomedical research ethics and the human element behind scientific breakthroughs.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Awards a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Henrietta Lacks.
This is a significant national honor recognizing her unique and crucial contribution to medical science and the patient rights movement.
PROVISION 02
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the gold medal with suitable emblems and inscriptions.
This ensures the creation of the physical award, signifying the national recognition of Henrietta Lacks.
PROVISION 03
Requires the gold medal to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research after its presentation.
This makes the medal publicly accessible and ensures its preservation for future generations to learn from.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the sale of duplicate bronze medals to the public to cover the costs of production.
This allows for public engagement with the recognition and establishes a self-sustaining funding mechanism for the medals.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Maryland
YRS IN OFFICE
23
BILLS LED
74
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 22
Introduced in Senate
MAY 22
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 1893
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 22, 2025
Last actionMay 22, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025
Senate BillS 1893Health
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
INTRODUCED MAY 22, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 22, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
