Debate: Would Legalizing Prostitution Save Lives?

Updated in 2023 from a 2008 article. A prostitute I was listening to in a radio interview made the following point: An adult woman can sell her body in many legal ways, she can sell her physical work, she can sell her intellectual property, she can sell her art, and that woman can have sex with as many men as she wants. Fifty a day if she likes! This is all perfectly legal, but the minute that same woman accepts a dollar for it, she is both a victim and a criminal. Why should it be illegal to accept money for an otherwise legal activity?

Prostitution remains one of the most controversial issues around the world. While some argue that legalizing it would improve the lives and safety of sex workers, others believe that it only perpetuates exploitation and abuse. This article will explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of legalizing prostitution and whether it could save lives.

One of the main arguments in favor of legalization is that it would provide a safer environment for sex workers. Currently, those engaged in prostitution often work in dangerous conditions, exposed to risks such as violence, sexually transmitted infections, and drug abuse. Proponents of legalization believe that by regulating the industry, governments can implement policies to ensure the safety and well-being of sex workers.

Legalization would enable authorities to set up licensing and health regulations, ensuring that sex workers receive regular health check-ups and have access to medical services. Additionally, legal brothels could provide a controlled environment where workers are protected from violence, exploitation, and trafficking. This, in turn, would empower sex workers to report crimes without fear of legal repercussions, making it easier for law enforcement to tackle exploitation and ensure justice is served.

Moreover, legalizing prostitution would allow for the implementation of labor laws that protect the rights and dignity of sex workers. They would have the same legal protections as any other worker, including the right to unionize, receive fair payment, and work in safe conditions. This recognition of their profession may help reduce stigma and discrimination, fostering a more open and inclusive society.

However, opponents argue that legalizing prostitution would only serve to normalize the commodification of sex and perpetuate the objectification of women. They believe that prostitution cannot be seen as a legitimate and consensual occupation, as the power dynamics between sex buyers and sellers are inherently imbalanced. Legalization may inadvertently create a demand-driven industry that exploits vulnerable individuals rather than empowering them.

Furthermore, some opponents argue that legalizing prostitution would not eliminate the criminal underground associated with the sex trade. Even in countries where prostitution is legal, illegal activities such as human trafficking and underage exploitation persist. Critics argue that legalizing prostitution would only provide a cover for such illicit practices to flourish, making it difficult to eradicate the abuses that accompany the sex industry.

In conclusion, while legalizing prostitution may have some potential benefits, such as increased safety and improved labor conditions, it remains a contentious issue with varying viewpoints. The ultimate goal should be to protect the rights and well-being of sex workers while combating exploitation, violence, and trafficking. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that combines legal measures, social support networks, and education is necessary to genuinely save lives and address the complex issues surrounding prostitution.

I’m not into it, but I also don’t smoke or drink alcohol, by choice. I think other adults should have those legal choices. Therefore, I sometimes think that humanity should legalize it and tax prostitution to improve living conditions for both men and women around the world. For example, have trade schools, licenses and even diplomas. On the other hand, the arguments against it are clearly strong enough to have kept “the world’s oldest profession” from being legalized in almost all places.

A component of this fact not mentioned so far is what I call “the King dynamic” which is the fact that governments and police world wide control aspects of access to the human resource of available fecund women in the name of protecting them. Its the same old story which has been shown to happen in news stories since news stories became a thing: cops “raid” brothels because they are illegal, and then they sometimes “look the other way” in exchange for services. Same as it ever was. On the other hand, cops do protect women from “clients” who are abusive so it is not fair to focus on only the corruption, however common or uncommon it may be.

Bottom line: Fix human nature and legalized prostitution would work out fine. Good luck with that though.

Citations:

^{[1] https://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/04/19/is-legalized-prostitution-safer/legalizing-prostitution-leads-to-more-trafficking
[2] https://orgs.law.harvard.edu/lids/2014/06/12/does-legalized-prostitution-increase-human-trafficking/
[3] https://prostitution.procon.org/top-10-pro-con-arguments/
[4] https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2017/decriminalizing-prostitution-wont-solve-social-ethical-problems/
[5] https://www.businessinsider.com/why-america-should-legalize-prostitution-2013-11}