“Sex business with pregnant women” in Portugal: what is myth, what is real

In recent times, several headlines have drawn attention to an alleged increase in the sex business with pregnant women in Portugal

News suggests that this would be a “highly profitable” market, with growing demand and high values. But is this true? In this analysis we bring together official information, context, facts and myths to understand what is really happening.

What is being said in the media?

Some media reported that the fetish for pregnant women was “on the rise” in the prostitution market. Certain articles even stated that some pregnant women were earning “thousands of euros a day”.

However, this information is not accompanied by official data, academic studies or public reports. These are isolated reports, with no verifiable statistics to confirm the alleged dimension of the phenomenon.

What do the official reports say?

The entities responsible for monitoring sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Portugal, such as OTSH, CIG and APAV, publish detailed annual reports.

And what do these reports show?

There is no official category that identifies “sexual exploitation of pregnant women” or “pregnant sex market”.

There is, in fact, a global increase in sexual exploitation and trafficking, especially associated with economic vulnerability, coercion and online recruitment.

The authorities do not confirm the existence of a specific lucrative market related to pregnant women.

Cases involving pregnant women only appear in isolation, never as a statistical trend or growing phenomenon.

Conclusion from these sources: the supposed “pregnant sex market” is not recognized as a structured or growing phenomenon.

Why did this topic go viral?

The combination of sensationalism, social taboo and public curiosity helps explain why this news went viral.

Main reasons:

Shocking titles generate clicks — and the combination “pregnancy + sex + money” attracts attention.

Isolated cases easily turn into generalizations when serious investigation is lacking.

The topic of prostitution in Portugal still has little academic research, which leaves room for speculation.

Sexual exploitation is a real and growing phenomenon — and that makes the public more sensitive to any related news.

What is real: sexual exploitation in Portugal is increasing

Although the “sex business with pregnant women” is not documented as a phenomenon, sexual exploitation in Portugal is a growing reality, especially within trafficking networks.

Actual trends include:

increase in reported victims of sex trafficking,

increasing use of digital platforms for grooming

greater vulnerability of women with economic difficulties,

cases of pregnant victims within exploitative contexts, but not as a structured profitable fetish.

Therefore, exploitation exists and is a concern — but not in the sensationalist ways that are publicized.

Myth vs Reality

Myth: there is a huge, highly profitable market for sex with pregnant women.
Reality: there is no official data that confirms this market. There is only news without verifiable sources.

Myth: the increase in demand is “documented”.
Reality: no public entity identifies such a “trend” in reports.

Myth: pregnant women earn thousands of euros a day on a regular basis.
Reality: these are unproven claims and not supported by studies or statistics.

Why it is important to clarify this topic

Misinformation about prostitution can:

distort public perception,

harm women in vulnerable situations,

create stigmas,

divert attention from real problems: trafficking, exploitation, violence and lack of social protection.

Accurate information is essential to combat exploitation and truly support victims.

Conclusion: the phenomenon, as reported, is not proven

To date, there is no objective proof that the “pregnant sex business” is growing or is “one of the most profitable” in Portugal.

real and disturbing sexual exploitation,

increased trafficking and vulnerability,

isolated cases involving pregnant women,

and a lot of media sensationalism without statistical basis.

The discussion about sexual exploitation needs responsibility — and rigorous information.