The idea that legalizing or decriminalizing commercial sex would reduce its harms is a persistent myth. Many claims if the sex trade were legal, regulated, and treated like any other profession, it would be safer.

But research suggests otherwise. Countries that have legalized or decriminalized commercial sex often experience a surge in human trafficking, pimping, and other related crimes.

Prostitution, regardless of whether it’s legal or not, involves so much harm and trauma it cannot be seen as a conventional business.