Combating human trafficking: pediatric surgeons as agents of change

Human trafficking is a pervasive public health crisis that encompasses sex, labor, and organ trafficking. Although it affects individuals of all ages and identities, pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable. Up to 88% of trafficking victim-survivors access healthcare services during their exploitation, yet most healthcare professionals lack the training to identify and support these patients. Pediatric surgeons encounter trafficked patients presenting with trauma, abuse-related injuries, and complex medical conditions emphasizing the urgent need for anti-trafficking education and policy integration into surgical care. As child advocates and healthcare leaders, pediatric surgeons are uniquely positioned to address systemic gaps and care for at-risk and trafficked youth. Healthcare-led anti-trafficking initiatives offer education and suggestions for standardizing guidelines, but broader advocacy efforts are needed to drive systemic change. It is essential to prioritize national policies that support adequate staffing, anti-trafficking education, resource allocation, research on trafficking's impact in surgical settings, partnerships with community organizations, and anticipatory programs to support prevention and recovery. Advocating for these regulatory changes and fostering cross-functional collaborations will strengthen systems of healthcare delivery. As key stakeholders and allies, pediatric surgeons play a vital role in driving this change, combating human trafficking, and supporting vulnerable patients.