The scourge of human trafficking is a plague that is growing by the day. Second only to the international drug trade, it is one of the largest and most profitable criminal networks in the world. Innocent men, women, and children are being enslaved and sold to be used as objects. The gears of this horrific industry are greased by abortion centers that continue to profit off victims who are forced to abort their babies.
It is estimated by the International Labour Organization that there are around 49.6 million people living in modern-day slavery around the world. Of those, 27.6 million are in forced labor or sex trafficking, and 22 million are in forced marriage. That total represents around 1 in 150 people globally. In the United States alone, it is estimated there are around 5.1 million people enslaved, with sex trafficking reported in all 50 states.
Thankfully, pro-life pregnancy centers have taken a strong stand against human trafficking. Unlike the abortion centers which often assist human traffickers, pregnancy resource centers are actively fighting to help victims. On our weekly radio program, Straight Talk on Life Issues, we had the privilege of interviewing those on the frontlines of combating this great evil.
Jean Davis is the Executive Director of Branches Pregnancy Resource Center in Brattleboro, Vermont. At the age of 29, she found herself pregnant and running from gangs, pimps, and criminals. While staying at a safe house, the police informed her that she had to get out because the West Coast was too dangerous for her.
In her time of need, a pregnancy center in New Hampshire stepped up and took her in. That pregnancy center was run by Phyllis Phelps. Now, using her unique experience and knowledge, she and Phyllis work together to help women in need. The two shared with us practical tips on how to spot human trafficking and what to do if we encounter someone who might be trafficked.
Thankfully, the lifesaving efforts of Jean and Phyllis are far from isolated. According to a 2020 study of 580 nonmedical pregnancy centers conducted by Charlotte Lozier Institute, 24% of those surveyed received training and/or provide resources to victims of sex trafficking. This number continues to grow as more pro-life pregnancy resource centers assist in the effort to end human trafficking.
According to a study by Loyola University in Chicago, 88% of human trafficking victims have contact with a healthcare provider while being trafficked. This creates a unique opportunity for pregnancy resource centers, as they often serve women in vulnerable circumstances. These centers, driven by a mission to protect life and uphold human dignity, are uniquely positioned to identify and assist trafficking victims. Their staff are often trained to recognize the subtle signs of coercion and exploitation—skills that can make the difference between freedom and continued enslavement for a victim.
In addition to the efforts of pro-life pregnancy resource centers like that of Jean and Phyllis, there are many others in the pro-life movement that are fighting to defend the unborn. We also had the opportunity to speak with Nick Lembo, Executive Director of Street Grace Arizona. Nick has fought against human trafficking since 2009 and detailed the efforts of his team. In partnership with local authorities, they target those who are driving the market. Interacting with buyers online at the point of sale, they use decoy ads to intercept.
Unfortunately, not everyone shares this commitment to ending human trafficking. A growing body of evidence shows that Planned Parenthood isn’t just looking the other way when it comes to human trafficking. Rather, they have profited from the human trafficking industry while aiding the continued sale of innocent women. Former trafficking victims like Jean have come forward to share harrowing stories of how traffickers force women to get an abortion so they can continually be sold. Rather than helping these women, Planned Parenthood accepts the blood money and sends the women back out on the streets. Their stories highlight the stark contrast between organizations that prioritize profit and those that prioritize life.
Pregnancy resource centers are truly on the frontlines of defending life. Not only do they lovingly serve mothers and the unborn, but they also serve their communities at large. Stopping human trafficking should be a unifying mission that everyone can rally behind. As more pregnancy centers embrace this mission, they provide a beacon of hope to those who are suffering. Their unwavering dedication to protecting the vulnerable is a testament to pro-life communities’ strong commitment to defending LIFE.
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