1 The retrieval and use of the HeLa cells without the knowledge or consent of Henrietta Lacks or her family was unethical. However, it was a common practice in the 1950s, and it was not until much later that ethical guidelines for human research were developed.
2 Yes, the family should be compensated for any profit that was gained from the use of these cells. The HeLa cells have been widely used in research and have generated significant profits for pharmaceutical and biotech companies, but the family has not received any financial benefit from the commercial use of these cells. It is important to acknowledge the contribution of Henrietta Lacks and her family to scientific research and to compensate them fairly for their contribution.