Ethical issues in research involving victims of terror

Although research after an episode of terror can provide important information to improve the health and well-being of present and future victims, there are unique ethical challenges that need to be addressed. Man-made disasters have profound effects on victims, rescue workers, and their families and on others in the community; this may impair their ability to provide voluntary and uncoerced decisions about research participation. Because such potential participants in research may be vulnerable and also subject to being overburdened with redundant research, they deserve special consideration. We propose specific recommendations to assist investigators, institutional review boards (IRBs), public health officials, and political leaders to help serve the interests of future participants in terror-related research.