Ethical issues arising when planning and commencing a research study with chemically dependent pregnant women

A good deal of qualitative research, particularly in the health sector, involves accessing vulnerable groups of people. One such group is chemically dependant pregnant women. Accessing and interviewing chemically dependent pregnant women presents significant ethical challenges which are compounded by the vulnerability of this group, who often experience feelings of guilt, mistrust of health professionals, and a myriad of related health problems which can impact on their unborn child. This paper explores some ethical issues in relation to access, informed consent, the interview process, potential exploitation, invasion of privacy, and confidentiality related to information obtained and the publication of results. Ways in which these issues can be addressed without compromising the research are discussed.