Female sex workers as mothers

Background: Female street sex workers (FSSWs) are an extremely disadvantaged group with complex histories of loss. They experience high levels of stigma, poverty, and violence, and they have higher rates of illicit drug use, HIV risk, and poorer mental health than women not involved in sex work. While research has focused on various aspects of these women as sex workers, an intersectionality approach calls for a more integrative perspective of FSSWs—one incorporating other aspects of their identities. A role that is important in the lives of many women is that of being a mother. As such, it is important to understand what is known about FSSWs as mothers and the impact of motherhood on their lives.

Methods: The MEDLINE and PsychINFO online databases were reviewed for articles with a primary focus of female sex work that included discussion of motherhood or women’s children. Findings were summarized.

Results: It is estimated that between 70% and 90% of FSSWs are mothers. Research suggests that FSSWs value their role as mothers. However, many FSSW mothers lose custody of their children. Previous work suggests that following the loss of children, women feel increasingly lonely and depressed. In order to cope, they often increase drug use, further exacerbating the cycle of drug use and sex work. Moreover, continued sex work and drug use inhibits women’s ability to regain custody of their children.

Conclusions: While previous work has incorporated some aspects of motherhood, more research is needed to systematically evaluate the role of motherhood among FSSWs.