Professor Todd Myers International Relations 10 May 2018 What factors influence the differences among nations in support and in opposition for legalizing sex work? Abstract In most countries, prostitution or sex work, which is defined as “the practice or occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone for payment” [1] is criminalized. This study examines the factors responsible for why sex work is legalized in some nations, but remains restricted in others. The reason for this divide can be explained by a variety of factors. Specifically, we focus on health issues and the research entities like the World Health Organization (WHO) have conducted research regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDs as the primary incentive towards legalization …show more content…
[1] Due to the nature of the profession, sex workers are considered in most nations to be immoral and should therefore be excluded from proper healthcare, education, and basic human rights.[4] Police have been among the most prominent to harass prostitutes, including humiliating them with vulgar language and treatment particularly targeting transgender workers [13]. Legislation against sex work exclude workers from health systems that provide condoms and sexual examinations which can prevent the spread of HIV and other STD …show more content…
Sex workers are among the most susceptible to murder, and have been particularly targeted by serial killers in “Canada, the US, Iran, Namibia, and the UK [13].” Sex Workers' Rights Advocacy Network (SWAN) released a study that found in 11 nations, over 200 workers had dealt with sexual violence[2] “I went to the house of a man. He punched me two times in the jaw. I didn’t tell the police. I don’t want it on my records,” one sex worker reported [12]. Sex workers face incidents of rape, extortion, kidnapping, and torture. Sex workers are discouraged from reporting these incidents to the police, as in some cases they too partake in the abuse. In 2007, 0 percent of the sex workers of Macedonia felt they could report assaults to the police when in the same year 82.4 percent of the sex workers claimed they were assaulted by the police. [13] Although there is substantial evidence conveying how decriminalization leads to better health and a decrease in abuse, research also points to the negative aspects of the profession as it relates to child trafficking and ethical