03/02/2026
Black History Month is a time to recognize the profound contributions Black individuals have made across every field — including science and medicine.
Henrietta Lacks’ cells became one of the most important tools in modern biomedical research. The HeLa cell line has contributed to medical breakthroughs, advanced laboratory science, and supported progress in reproductive medicine.
Her legacy is a reminder that Black contributions to healthcare and scientific innovation have shaped the world in ways that continue to impact millions of families today.
In the field of fertility medicine, where research and laboratory science underpin IVF and reproductive technologies, it is important to recognize the foundational work that made these advancements possible.
The story of Henrietta Lacks is not only a chapter in medical history — it is part of Black history.
And it deserves to be remembered.