The Results of health-related research

In your opinion, who owns the results of health-related research (i.e., the cells, the cell lines)? Does it belong to the subject, the medical organization, the researcher, etc.? Support your rationale using ethical principles.

• Should Henrietta Lacks’ descendants receive compensation for the research conducted with HeLa cells and the advancements that stemmed from that research? Support your rationale with legal principles.
• If Ms. Lacks had given informed consent, would your opinion change? Explain.