We often sign consent forms without reading them carefully. Consent forms are important because they originated due to unethical medical research cases and protect patients' rights. The famous case of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were collected and used without consent, led to modern consent protocols being established at hospitals like Johns Hopkins. Consent forms give permission for more than just sample collection - they allow doctors and scientists to perform tests and develop new research methods using patients' samples and data. People should read consent forms fully before signing to understand what they are agreeing to.