WASHINGTON– Sen. Cory A. Booker (D-NJ), today issued the following statement after the Senate voted on the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act, legislation intended to combat human sex trafficking but amended to limit access to health care services for women who are victims of this despicable crime.
“This bill was initially a reflection of a bipartisan determination to eradicate the exploitation of women and children through sex trafficking. Sadly, with the inclusion of provisions restricting women’s access to healthcare and reproductive rights, this near-consensus has fallen victim to an attempt to politicize women’s health. I know that Congress can act to end the despicable evil of human trafficking through meaningful legislation. It’s as simple as removing politically-charged language from the bill and honoring the legislation’s original intent.”