Bill · S. 1893· Senate(119-S-1893)
Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act
- Introduced
- 5/22/2025
- Last activity
- 5/22/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act," seeks to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks. The award recognizes her immortal cells, which have provided invaluable contributions to global health, scientific research, and patients' rights. The bill directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange the presentation. Following the award, the medal is to be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Secretary of the Treasury is tasked with designing and striking the gold medal.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+6
The bill honors a prominent African-American figure and her historical medical contributions.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+5
The bill provides posthumous recognition and honors the legacy of an African-American woman whose contributions were central to medical history.
Would women be better off under this?+4
The bill honors the life and legacy of a significant woman in medical history.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Scientific Contributions: The bill recognizes that Henrietta Lacks' cells have led to groundbreaking advancements in modern science and technology, including the development of the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, hemophilia, leukemia, and Parkinson's disease (Section 2, Findings 6 & 7).
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Advancement of Patient Rights: The findings note that Lacks' legacy is a linchpin to modern bioethics policies and informed consent laws, which benefit patients nationwide by protecting research participants and building trust (Section 2, Finding 9).
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Public Education and Display: The medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution to be made available for display and research, helping to share her legacy with the public (Section 3, subsection (c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+6Good For Women+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- 5/22/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland