Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have pledged $500,000 to charities fighting human trafficking.
The move was inspired by one of baseball’s top players, Albert Pujols of the Angels, and the organization he founded with his wife two years ago called Strike Out Slavery.
“We thought very highly of the work they were doing,” said Melanie LeGrande, MLB vice president of social responsibility, “and we thought this was a topic we could have more of an impact on.”
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Pakistani authorities arrested Dr. Mubina Cassum Aboatwala, chair of the NGO HOPE, on charges of orphanage trafficking. On August 6, 2025, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) accused HOPE of trafficking minors disguised as adoptions.
The FIA said, “HOPE was neither a registered orphanage nor legally empowered to arrange adoptions.” Yet the group pushed children forward as “abandoned babies,” offering little proof of how they entered its care.
Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.