Doctors around the world join the battle against human trafficking

Dec 9 2009

Doctors At War, a newly formed 501(c)3 organization, is putting out a call-to-action for doctors worldwide to join them in the fight against the global sex trade. The long-term healthcare ramifications of the estimated 27 million victims throughout the world include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, depression, and a host of other mental health issues along with countless physical health problems including HIV, STD's, malnutrition, sterility, and the effects of repeated physical trauma. The cost worldwide to provide mental and physical healthcare for these survivors will be overwhelming.

"Although I have committed my life to American children victimized by prostitution, I wanted to learn more about these children in other countries. I thought this would be a good opportunity to learn about the plight of those children and an opportunity to lend my expertise," states Dr. Lois Lee, a member of the Board of Directors. Dr. Lee is also founder of Children of the Night, a California shelter for young girls who have previously been trapped in commercial sexual exploitation.

Board of Directors member Dr. Mark Boustred, a Colorado plastic surgeon who specializes in pediatric craniofacial abnormalities, adds: "One of the greatest blots on the face of humanity in our modern times is the abhorrent global abuse of woman and children as sex slaves. This evil epitomizes mankind at its worst - total denigration and disregard of a fellow human being for the sake of money, sex and power. These crimes go beyond mere selfishness and greed - they demand a total searing of conscience, a heart of stone, and a giving of the perpetrator's self over to evil. Doctors at War seeks to fight this evil, and to bring relief, rescue and restoration to the victims. I am honored to be able to make a contribution to this effort."

Doctors At War will work on projects focused on the intersection of healthcare and human trafficking. With hundreds of doctors from approximately 20 countries already involved, this is expected to be a globally influential organization.