Remembering 9/11: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues with Using DNA for Disaster Victim Identification

ELSI Friday Forum • September 10, 2021

Following the attack on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001, investigators engaged in the greatest forensic challenge in the US and asked families for assistance to identify victims through DNA identification techniques. Two decades later, the use of DNA for victim identification in the context of national emergencies has dramatically expanded, creating challenges in the preservation of data for forensic investigation, obtaining familial consent and participation, ensuring transparency, and protecting human rights. In recognition of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, this ELSI Friday Forum explores lessons learned from the use of DNA for the identification of victims of disasters, emergencies, and atrocities and the commemoration of those whose lives are lost and the ethical, legal and social issues involved.

Panelists: Amy Mundorff, PhD and Jay Aronson, PhD 
Moderator: Jennifer Wagner, JD, PhD

Please see the attached transcript and resources files (located in the upper right-hand corner of the page) for more information on this topic, as well as the ELSIhub Collection "Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of DNA-based Technologies for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)."