The Ethics of Cell Lines as Human Remains
Author:
Amalia Benenati ’28Co-Authors:
CJ Simbiri, '28Emily Colasanti, '28
Liv King, '27
Faculty Mentor(s):
Katherine Ward, PhilosophyJayne Kubat, Biology
Funding Source:
Candland High-Impact Pratice AwardAbstract
Some objects are inarguably human remains (e.g. skeletons, brains), while some are debatably human remains (e.g. fetuses, blood smears, cell lines). We have been thinking of the status of cell lines as human remains in the context of Henrietta Lacks, and our ethical obligations as we use cell lines in research and teaching. Join us in our journey as we define human remains and justify whether cell lines should be included in our definition.