Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill Summary: Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 3498)

Overview

The Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act is a legislative proposal to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks. The bill seeks to honor Ms. Lacks for the involuntary but monumental contribution her cells (known as HeLa cells) made to global medicine, scientific research, and the development of modern bioethics and informed consent laws.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of the bill is to provide official national recognition of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cervical cancer cells were taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951. These cells became the first "immortal" human cell line, serving as a cornerstone for countless medical breakthroughs. By awarding this medal, Congress aims to acknowledge:
* Scientific Impact: The role of HeLa cells in developing the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, leukemia, and Parkinson’s disease.
* Ethical Legacy: Ms. Lacks' role as a "linchpin" for the creation of modern patient rights and informed consent protocols.
* Historical Justice: The recognition of a woman whose biological contributions generated massive scientific and commercial value, much of which was hidden from her family for decades.

Key Provisions

1. The Gold Medal

• Authorization: The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are authorized to arrange the posthumous presentation of a gold medal.
• Design: The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with the design and striking of the medal, including appropriate emblems and inscriptions.
• Disposition: Once awarded, the gold medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The bill further expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian should make the medal available for display at other locations associated with Henrietta Lacks.

2. Duplicate Medals and Funding

• Bronze Duplicates: The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public.
• Financials:
  • Costs for the medals will be funded through the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
  • Proceeds from the sale of bronze duplicates will be deposited back into the same fund to cover labor, materials, and overhead.

Who is Affected?

• The Lacks Family: The bill serves as a formal own-government acknowledgement of the legacy and contributions of their ancestor.
• The Public: Through the creation of bronze duplicates and the Smithsonian display, the general public will have increased access to the history of HeLa cells and the importance of bioethics.
• The U.S. Mint & Smithsonian: These institutions are tasked with the production and preservation of the medal.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: May 19, 2025.
• Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on House Administration for consideration of the provisions within their respective jurisdictions.