Pregnant females are uniquely vulnerable to morbidity and mortality associated with trauma and from secondary exposure to environmental agents during and following a terrorist attack. For clinicians and emergency management planners, there are several specific considerations for pregnant victims of terrorist events in the planning and response phases of a terrorist event.

A review of scientific, medical, and academic literature pertaining to women and terrorist activities was performed. In addition, government reports and media accounts of terrorist attacks where women were direcdy or centrally involved as perpetrators were collected and reviewed. Common elements, themes, and similarities were analyzed by the investigator to determine trends in injury patterns, distribution of exposed individuals, and the acute and long-term health effects associated with the gravid female and her unborn child.

Several causes of morbidity and mortality among pregnant females and their unborn children as the result of terrorist attacks were discussed in the literature. Physical trauma, toxic inhalation effects, bioterrorism considerations, and psychosocial impacts were among those discussed most often. The disaster epidemiology associated with these health events is described, as well as the strategies for prevention and clinical management of this unique group of victims.

A greater understanding of the types of hazards and exposures which may affect a pregnant woman or her unborn child during or following a terrorist attack can assist in developing plans for medical counterterrorism. This epidemiological information can benefit both clinicians and emergency planners in anticipating the potential health and medical needs as well as planning for potential protective actions that can be implemented before or immediately following a terrorist incident.