Combating human trafficking: pediatric surgeons as agents of change
Mikayla Mefford1, Sarah Alchemy2, Zayn Gerakitis3
1Medical Student, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; American Medical Women's Association - Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans, 1933 N. Meacham Rd., Suite 450, Schaumburg, IL 60173, USA.
Insights
Pediatric surgeons must address human trafficking, a public health crisis affecting vulnerable youth. Enhanced training and policy integration are crucial for identifying and supporting trafficked patients in surgical care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Surgery
- Human Trafficking
Background:
- Human trafficking is a widespread public health issue impacting all ages, with pediatric patients being especially vulnerable.
- A significant percentage of trafficking survivors access healthcare during exploitation, but professionals often lack adequate training for identification and support.
- Pediatric surgeons frequently encounter trafficked youth with trauma and abuse-related injuries, highlighting the need for specialized education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical role of pediatric surgeons in combating human trafficking.
- To advocate for improved anti-trafficking education and policy integration within surgical care settings.
- To highlight the unique position of pediatric surgeons as child advocates in addressing systemic gaps in care for vulnerable youth.
Main Methods:
- Review of the impact of human trafficking on pediatric patients presenting for surgical care.
- Analysis of the current gaps in healthcare professional training regarding human trafficking identification and support.
- Examination of the potential for healthcare-led initiatives and policy advocacy to drive systemic change.
Main Results:
- Pediatric surgeons are uniquely positioned to identify and support trafficked youth due to their encounters with related injuries and conditions.
- Existing healthcare-led initiatives provide education but require broader advocacy for systemic change.
- National policies supporting staffing, education, resources, research, and community partnerships are essential for effective intervention.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric surgeons are vital allies in combating human trafficking and improving care for at-risk and trafficked youth.
- Strengthening healthcare systems through policy advocacy and cross-functional collaboration is necessary.
- Prioritizing comprehensive anti-trafficking strategies within surgical care is imperative for patient safety and recovery.
Abstract:
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.
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