“There are over four million victims of sexual slavery worldwide. Up to now, our Magdalene Center work had primarily focused on third world countries. Now, we see evidence that over 50,000 women and children in the United States are victims of sexual slavery. It is shocking and disgraceful that we must contemplate expanding our Magdalene Program into the USA, the richest and most powerful nation on earth. The global trafficking in the sex trade will only end when faith and morals are strengthened in every society in the world,” said Father Richard Welch, President of Human Life International.

    “It is impossible to think that the global trade of women and children for perverted sexual use will end simply by stricter law enforcement measures, although they are a welcome and necessary step.” Father Welch was referring to consideration in the United States Congress towards introducing federal legislation offering help and asylum to sex trade victims, as well as imposing severe punishment on sex trade profiteers, and possible economic sanctions against nations that encourage the sex trade industry.