One of the highly increasing trends and one that has become a topic through the corridors of justice across the world apart from legalizing marijuana is prostitution. In some counties such as Nevada, prostitution is legal and regulated by the local authorities (Weitzer, 2013). Prostitution can be defined as the act of engaging in sexual activities for monetary gain. Through the decades, there have been increased myths surrounding prostitution that shape the popular and public policies across the world (Weitzer, 2013). But still, many cultures still consider prostitution and sex-work a taboo. It is, however, important to note that despite the taboos and the myths surrounding commercial sex work and prostitution, the industry has proliferated with cities such as Amsterdam holding the largest number of red-light districts (Weitzer, 2013). Others such as Bangkok, Antwerp, and Frankfurt among other major cities continue to increase the business performance and regulation.
Though prostitution has been seen to have a positive impact on the economy, the opposite happens to the health of those practicing the business (Weitzer, 2013). Most people practicing this business often engage in drug abuse, suffer severe psychological problems at the same time are highly exposed to the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (Amesberger, Altink & Wagenaar, 2017). The practice exposes the participants and the customers to catastrophic health problems which could have devastating impacts on their health, beyond suffering diseases such as HIV/AIDS (Amesberger, Altink & Wagenaar, 2017). It also facilitates the transmission of these diseases to other residents and individuals who are not engaged in the practice.
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The adverse health impacts create a dilemma on whether to legalize or not legalize prostitution. Its effects on the economy are positive. However, legalizing the practice should be taken with caution. It is important that the authorities assess the social impact of prostitution on the individual and the society at large, and as such provide strong safeguards to protect both the participants and the society at large from the health implications of prostitution (Amesberger, Altink & Wagenaar, 2017). For example, those participating in prostitution should be undertaken through medical checks regularly to ensure that their health is kept in check. Where this is not possible, prostitution should not be legalized and should remain illegal as it jeopardizes the health of the participants and the society.
References
Amesberger, H., Altink, S., & Wagenaar, H. (2017). Designing Prostitution Policy. Policy Press.
Weitzer, R. (2013). Legalizing prostitution. New York: New York University Press.
