Prostitution and its Definition
Prostitution refers to engagement of sexual activities in exchange for favors or money. However, this definition has been criticized as inadequate since there are women who become wives because they want a house and livelihood which can be termed as favors as well (Weitzer 23). Therefore, prostitution is defined as an act of offering, in the client point of view, non-reproductive sex against payment. The increasing number of prostitutes globally has called for more research and discussions on whether the activity should be legalized or not. Many health organizations, human activists and other non-government organizations have suggested varied views on this prostitution debate as discussed below.
Amnesty International's Conference and Legalization
In November 2015, Meg Munoz a former sex worker attended a conference that was organized by Amnesty International in Los Angeles to give a presentation on the prostitution experience. After a powerful presentation, the Amnesty International adopted the suggestion of legalizing the prostitution. In support of legalizing the prostitution, Meg Munoz argued that the underground prostitution is more lethal since the sex workers are not legally protected and they have limited access to medication and other contraceptives such as condoms for protection (Nathanson et al). If the trade is legalized, the demand for sex might be discouraged due to the introduction of government policies such as the required age and there will be better access of medication which can reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by 50%. Again, the voluntary prostitution will also end as the government will issue licenses to traders upon satisfying the set requirements and this will give the government the opportunity to monitor and control the prostitution.
Support from World Health Organization
Other organizations such as World Health Organizations have joined Amnesty International in support of legalizing prostitution. World Health Organization argues that legalizing prostitution can enable the government to have access to the industry and learn everything about it and this can discourage the vice in the long run (Nathanson et al). In countries such as India, there are no legal barriers to prostitution but there is a social barrier that has worked efficiently for India as cases of prostitution is highly condemned in social set up which has led to decrease in cases of prostitution. Legalizing prostitution can also end the black market that encourages human trafficking. Further, it can reduce or eliminate crime against women such as rape and the spread of HIV/AIDS as the government will enact laws that make protection or use of condoms compulsory. However, other schools of thought have argued that legalizing prostitution will promote immorality in the world.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that legalizing prostitution has more merits than demerits and the government should legalize prostitution in order for prostitutes to pay taxes, access better medical services and reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS by controlling the prostitution industry.
Works Cited
Nathanson, Paul, and Katherine K. Young. Legalizing Misandry: From Public Shame to Systemic Discrimination against Men. , 2016. Internet resource.
Weitzer, Ronald J. Legalizing Prostitution: From Illicit Vice to Lawful Business. New York: New York University Press, 2013. Print.
