Citation

Albright E, D'Adamo K. AMA J. Ethics 2017; 19(1): 122-126.

Affiliation

National policy advocate at the Sex Workers Project in New York City.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Medical Association)

DOI

10.1001/journalofethics.2017.19.1.sect2-1701

PMID

28107164

Abstract

In order to decrease human trafficking, health care workers should support the full decriminalization of prostitution. Similar to trafficking in other forms of labor, preventing trafficking in the sex trade requires addressing the different forms of marginalization that create vulnerable communities. By removing punitive laws that prevent reporting of exploitation and abuse, decriminalization allows sex workers to work more safely, thereby reducing marginalization and vulnerability. Decriminalization can also help destigmatize sex work and help resist political, social, and cultural marginalization of sex workers.

© 2017 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

Language: en