What ethical issue is commonly highlighted by cases like Henrietta Lacks and John Moore?

• A. Intellectual property rights override individual autonomy
• B. Informed consent and commercialization of human biological materials
• C. Government regulation remains insufficient
• D. Religious objections to science

Answer: (B)

The central idea here is informed consent and what happens when someone’s biological materials are used for research and commercial gain. Henrietta Lacks’ cells were taken and used to create the HeLa cell line without her knowledge or permission, yet those cells led to countless scientific advances and profitable products. This situation highlights why informed consent matters: patients should know how their tissues will be used and should have a say in potential commercialization or broader uses beyond their individual care.

The John Moore case echoes that concern about ownership and consent. After his cells were removed, they were used to create a lucrative cell line, and the courts found that Moore did not own his cells or their products, underscoring the tension between patient autonomy and institutional or corporate interests. Together, these examples illustrate why the ethical issue centers on informed consent and the commercialization of human biological materials: ensuring patients are informed about and have a say in how their tissues are used and who may benefit from those uses.