Krutika Vora Vora itibaren Salvador
This is simply a brilliant book. The debt that is owed to Henrietta Lacks is incalculable and is still accruing. No-one doubts the need for advancement in science, particularly in the medical field, as ultimately everyone benefits in one way or another. But this book is also a timely reminder that research has to be done ethically, with compassion and with full disclosure to those involved. The revelations (to me) that, just a few short years after the prosecution at Nuremberg of the Nazi doctors who carried out unspeakable experiments on the inmates of the death camps, there were doctors in the US (and almost certainly other countries) who were carrying out horrendous research on people without them being aware of what was happening to them all in the name of science, was horrifying. That this happened to the poorest and most vulnerable in society only adds to the horror. What is amazing is that these experiments were still on-going within the last generation or so. If nothing else, Nuremberg and the hideous experiments carried out in the name of science should have taught us that any such experimentation should be subject to rigorous scrutiny and must be carried out in the full light of day. The on-going history of the Lacks' family also highlights the shameful fact that, in one of the richest economies in the World, there is a large section of the electorate who do not have access to free at point of use medical cover. Whilst no doubt the UK's NHS has its faults, there is no-one in the UK who is denied treatment, indeed, my elderly father has just spent a fortnight as a guest of the NHS and has received superlative care - the doctors and nurses at the North Staffs Hospital have mine and my family's gratitude for their care and attention to him. I have never understood (and never will) the refusal by many people in America to countenance the development of a public health service that is free. This book should be read by all nay-sayers in the hope that it may change their obdurate refusal to extend free health care to all.
Just finished reading this one aloud to Keira and William. We snuggled up before bedtime and giggled at Ramona's silliness. William was particularly intrigued by Ramona's kindergarten antics as he awaits the big first day of school next week. Keira could relate to Ramona's stubborness and Ramona's persistent desire to gain the love of her beautiful, young teacher Miss Binney. We will continue with the series and had so much fun with this book!