Final answer:
The collection of Henrietta Lacks's tissues without her consent is a significant bioethical issue, demonstrating the evolution of standards regarding informed consent in medicine. Such actions are considered unethical and illegal today, leading to questions about the continued use of those tissues in research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand brings forth the significant bioethical dilemma of informed consent and the rights of patients. The reference to the case of Lacks's tissues, which were harvested without consent, showcases the evolution of ethical standards in medical research. In the historical context, there weren't clear guidelines or laws about informed consent, but this did not necessarily make the action fair, even for that time. By modern standards, such actions are both unethical and illegal, highlighting the importance of consent in medical procedures and research.
It is thereby considered unethical to collect tissue or organs from a patient who has not consented, which is also illegal today. This raises questions about the continued use of Lacks's tissues for research purposes. Scientists and ethicists are challenged to consider the legal and moral implications of using biomedical materials that were obtained without consent, even if such materials have the potential to save lives or advance scientific knowledge.