Sex-for-Crack-Cocaine Exchange, Poor Black Women, and Pregnancy

Abstract

A sample of 34 poor Black women who exchanged sex for crack was screened to discover if sex-for-crack exchanges resulted in pregnancies. Ethnographic interviews were conducted with women who became pregnant this way. Out of the 34 women, 18 reported sex-for-crack pregnancies, and more than half of that number became pregnant this way more than once. Twenty-nine pregnancies were reported. Only 2 women chose to have abortions. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative data analytical procedures. The following three issues shaped the women's responses to sex-for-crack pregnancies: (a) severity of crack use, (b) religious beliefs, and (c) social organization patterns within poor Black communities. The findings have implications for drug treatment and child welfare policy.

HIV/AIDS risk among female sex workers who use crack in Southern Brazil

“…2,19,21,24,27 The majority of sex workers in this study had fi rst used crack before they fi rst sold sex, suggesting that crack addiction may force some into turning to sex work to support their addiction. The early initiation (around 8-11 years old) of any drug use among participants may also facilitate addiction, which in turn may increase the likelihood of entry into prostitution as a means of supporting their drug dependence.…”

Contraceptive risk-taking among substance-using women

“…Eighteen reported they had become pregnant because of an exchange; 11 became pregnant more than once (Sharpe, 2001). Some prostitutes will refuse to have sex unless customers wear a condom, but will not require primary partners (i.e.…”

Sex Work and Motherhood: Social and Structural Barriers to Health and Social Services for Pregnant and Parenting Street and Off-Street Sex Workers

“…This is true in the Canadian context where researchers have found that sex work was among the few economically viable options to support indoor sex workers’ families, particularly impoverished women and migrant workers with limited training and English proficiency (Bungay, Halpin, Atchison, & Johnston, 2011). Contrary to popular opinion, American researchers have documented sex workers to have a strong desire and dedication to raising their children (Basu & Dutta, 2011; Sharpe, 2001). …”