The bill authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Henrietta Lacks, recognizing the contributions of her cells to medical research and patients’ rights. The Treasury Secretary would decide the medal’s design. After the award, the medal would go to the Smithsonian Institution for possible display and research.
The bill does not create a direct benefit or requirement for individuals. The Smithsonian could display the medal, and the Treasury Secretary could make bronze duplicates available for sale.
The bill authorizes the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund to cover medal costs. Money from sales of bronze duplicates would go into that fund. The bill does not give a total cost.
The bill’s stated reason for the medal is to recognize how HeLa cells have contributed to health, scientific research, and patients’ rights.
No publicly available information.