On International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, a look at their precarious lives in Delhi

https://theleaflet.in/women-and-children/on-international-day-to-end-violence-against-sex-workers-a-look-at-their-precarious-lives-in-delhi

Sex workers in Delhi, particularly in Majnu ka Tila and GB Road, faced systemic barriers to reproductive healthcare despite legal provisions like the The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. The Supreme Court’s 2022 judgment extending abortion rights to unmarried women largely failed to impact marginalised communities due to stigma, lack of awareness, and bureaucratic hurdles. Many sex workers lacked Aadhaar cards, preventing access to safe abortions and forcing reliance on unsafe alternatives. Discrimination from medical professionals and economic realities further compounded their struggles. Grassroots organisations played a crucial role in bridging gaps by providing legal assistance and healthcare support. Experts advocated for integrating sexual and reproductive health services, training medical staff, and adopting judgment-free care to address sex workers’ unique challenges. Bridging this gap was deemed essential for true societal progress.