Human trafficking is a widespread problem with estimates ranging from 14,000 to 50,000 individuals trafficked into the United States annually. This hidden population involves the commercial sex industry, agriculture, factories, hotel and restaurant businesses, domestic workers, marriage brokers, and some adoption firms. Because 80% of trafficked individuals are women and girls, women's health care providers may better serve their diverse patient population by increasing their awareness of this problem. The exploitation of people of any race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity is unacceptable at any time, in any place. The members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists should be aware of this problem and strive to recognize and assist their patients who are victims or who have been victims of human trafficking. © 2011 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Physician-Patient Relations health care personnel human Refugees sexuality Internationality priority journal health status sexually transmitted disease human rights Humans sexual orientation female Review child sexual abuse human trafficking women's health adult Reproductive Health Emigration and Immigration Sex Offenses public health problem Battered Women Crime Victims Child