Medical journal calls for health response to Epstein trafficking network

A newly published article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) — one of the world’s most widely read medical journals — argues that those connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network have not faced meaningful accountability from policymakers, and that the resulting health crisis demands a response from doctors and public health professionals.

The piece, written as a Perspective — a format the journal uses for informed opinion grounded in evidence — calls on the medical and public health community to confront what its authors describe as an ongoing health crisis linked to the network. The NEJM posted news of the article on social media.

Trafficking (the coercion or exploitation of people, often for sexual purposes) carries well-documented health consequences. Survivors commonly experience physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and long-term difficulties accessing healthcare — though the NEJM Perspective’s specific clinical findings are set out in the full article rather than the social media announcement.

The journal’s decision to publish on this subject reflects a broader shift in how medical institutions are approaching trafficking: not solely as a criminal justice matter, but as a public health issue requiring clinical and policy responses.

Anyone who has been affected by sexual exploitation or trafficking can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Samaritans are available around the clock on 116 123. For general health concerns, contact your GP or call NHS 111.