Henrietta Lacks's life was pivotal in discussions about medical ethics due to the unauthorized use of her cancer cells in research, which led to the HeLa cell line. Her cells contributed immensely to advancements in medicine, including the development of the polio vaccine. However, Lacks's story raises questions about informed consent and racial inequalities in healthcare. Her case has spurred debates on the ethics of medical research, illustrating the need for ethical guidelines that respect patients’ rights while advancing scientific knowledge.