The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Panel Discussion

The Friends of the Canton Public Library will hold a panel discussion based on the ethical and bio-engineering issues raised by the best seller “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by  Rebecca Skloot.

Last year through World Book Night, the Friends distributed over 100 copies of the book to Canton residents.  The book has inspired many conversations regarding the use of genetic material and the right to privacy and control over individual’s genetic material.  As outlined in the book, Henrietta Lack’s cells have multiplied continually to become a multi-million dollar business for cancer research (HeLa cells).  Yet Lack’s family never received any proceeds or even given consent for the use of Henrietta’s cells.

To discuss this critical issue and bring us the latest developments, The Friends have brought together an amazing panel of experts in genetics including Prof. M.H. Zaman, Director of Laboratory of Engineering Education, Innovative Engineering Education Faculty Fellow and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. Joining Professor Zaman will be Thomas Bollenbach,  Associate Director of Preclinical Research & Development of Canton based Organogenesis and Canton author Greg Mone, who worked directly with Rebecca Skloot.  Dick Stati, former Canton High School Science dept. Chairman will moderate the discussion. 

Please join us for this important discussion on Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 pm  in the Canton Public Library Community Room.