Why does a life-issues group address sex trafficking, which after all does not involve killing? Again, the agreement of the physical, moral, and spiritual lead us.

Physical:

Sex trafficking does indeed kill its victims, who die at an alarming rate from homicide and drug-related causes.

Moral:

The dehumanization practiced by sex traffickers is an extension of the dehumanization practiced by all of those who kill their fellow human beings.

Spiritual:

Sex trafficking dehumanizes its victims, treating them not as precious brothers and sisters made in the image and likeness of God, but as objects that exist purely for the gratification of others.

Reliable numbers on sex trafficking are almost impossible to find. However, the United Nations estimates that about 2.5 million people worldwide are currently in forced labor, with about 43%, or nearly 1.1 million, of those victims forced into sex slavery.

Foremost among the health risks of prostitution is premature death. In a recent US study of almost 2,000 prostitutes followed over a 30-year period, by far the most common causes of death were homicide, suicide, drug and alcohol related problems, HIV infection and accidents – in that order. The homicide rate among active female prostitutes was 17 times higher than that of the age-matched general population.

The dehumanization of sex trafficking, and the loss of dignity, freedom, and life that inherently accompany the practice, must be fought on every front: legal, social, and spiritual.

“The Department of Justice estimates that 27% of sex trafficking victims are underage.”

“Active prostitutes are nearly 18 times more likely to be murdered than non-prostitute women of the same age and rage. ”

“The Department of Justice estimated that between 2001 and 2005, there were 100,000 – 200,000 sex slaves in the United States.”