Vulnerable Populations

Federal regulations require that special consideration be given to protecting the welfare of particularly vulnerable populations. These groups include minors, pregnant women, prisoners and fetuses. Special protections are also provided for pregnant women. In general, research involving these populations must be minimal risk or must provide some possible direct benefit to the subject.

For more information, go to http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/

Additionally, the IRB insures that other populations (for example, decision impaired, economically disadvantages, homeless, elderly, drug or other addiction, terminally or seriously ill, HIV positive, non-English speaking, Tufts employees and students) are protected from coercion or undue influences.