Often considered the oldest profession in the world, prostitution often has a happy ending when depicted in pop culture. Vivian made her a millionaire in Pretty Woman and Fancy gave her a Georgia mansion in the Reba McEntire classic, "Fancy." Unfortunately, the vast majority of true stories involving sex work don't end in a New York home. Despite these very popular representations, sex work still remains frowned upon in society. Most people view prostitution as going against the moral compass of life, and while it's not something I see myself doing, I don't think anyone's morals other should make the law. Pornographic film actors, while engaging in same-sex trading for money as prostitutes, are subject to strict health testing standards, providing a safer working environment. I believe we could end the stigmatization of sex workers if the government dedicated its seemingly endless resources to ensuring the profession is safe, healthy and profitable for government and communities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Sex workers are up to 60 times more likely to contract a certain type of STI than the general public. This may be due to the lack of regulated health testing and prophylactic requirements. If subject to the same regulations as the pornography industry, sex workers would be required to undergo regular health exams and use condoms. In Nevada, where prostitution is legal in some areas, condoms are required for work. When testing legal prostitutes for HIV, there was not a single case of HIV; unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the illegal prostitutes who have been tested. It is an accepted truth that condoms prevent STIs in addition to pregnancy. While prostitution was legal, clients and workers were subject to strict standards to prevent these diseases. Another surprising statistic for prostitutes is that these workers are 68 percent more likely to experience violence or be raped while working. Unfortunately, only about five percent of these attacks are reported to authorities, and even fewer perpetrators are arrested. Violent criminals are aware of the restrictions of justice for these prostitutes and continue to prey on this small demographic. Because of the risk of being arrested themselves, prostitutes see little reason to contact the police. This leaves them with few places to turn for protection. Often the only person to turn to in search of safety is a pimp. Beatings and rapes are often inflicted by the person who was once the prostitutes' refuge. “Belonging” to a pimp can also result in considerable debt, making it virtually impossible to escape the clutches of the current that keeps a prostitute in the industry. When prostitution is legalized, the avenues of safety open to the rest of the world will be opened for these men and women. Despite the high likelihood of assault while working on the streets, prostitution is still a multibillion-dollar-a-year business worldwide. The United States alone! This money can be taxed and used for, among other things, a multitude of community outreach programs. I find that when people benefit.