Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would honor Henrietta Lacks with a Congressional Gold Medal for the huge impact her “HeLa” cells have had on medicine. Her cells, taken in 1951 without her consent during cancer treatment, helped create vaccines and treatments for diseases like polio, cancer, and HIV/AIDS, and supported major scientific discoveries. After the award, the medal would go to the Smithsonian for public display and research access.

The U.S. Mint could make and sell bronze copies of the medal. Sales would fund the costs, and the money would go back into the Mint’s own fund.

• Who is affected: The public (museum visitors and learners), and communities that value medical history and ethics.
• What changes: A national honor recognizing Henrietta Lacks; the medal displayed at the Smithsonian; bronze copies available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Mint’s fund.
• Why it matters: HeLa cells have powered decades of research and lifesaving advances, while also shaping today’s patient consent standards.