The American Medical Association encourages the education of physicians about human trafficking, including how to identify and report cases of suspected human trafficking to appropriate authorities, and how to address the victim's medical, legal and social needs.
Access our comprehensive overview of medical education program resources available to physicians.
AMA policy
AMA policy adopted at the 2019 AMA Annual Meeting acknowledges the unique and critical role physicians have in preventing human trafficking.
In accordance with the new policy, the AMA will urge the federal government to make changes in laws to allow local clinics, emergency departments and other medical settings to post the phone number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Additional resources
AMA Code of Medical Ethics
The AMA Code of Medical Ethics offers physicians guidance on their obligation to take appropriate action to help patients avert harms that violence and abuse cause.
AMA PolicyFinder
Use PolicyFinder to read the AMA’s positions and policies on human trafficking.
AMA articles on human trafficking
The AMA explores topics such as:
- Ways to advance care for human trafficking victims
- How physicians can assist human trafficking victims
- What to do if you suspect a patient is being abused
