Research Proposal:
Both sides advocating the criminalization and decriminalization of prostitution often build their arguments on the basis of human rights. While the former claims that the criminalization of prostitution would encourage the physical and psychological exploitation of women, the latter argues that the decriminalization would provide the legal ground that can better protect sex workers.
However, the health issue seems to be less apparent in the discussion of prostitution. There is abundant literature dealing with the health effects of prostitution from medical perspectives, but it often loses momentum before getting to policy-making debates. Consequently, there is an absence of coherent policy options considering the protection of public health and sex workers’ access to adequate healthcare.
My paper will specifically address the issue of health and healthcare in the context of prostitution. Here are some questions I would like to answer in my paper:
• Is the healthcare a part of human rights in the context of prostitution?
• Is the issue of sex workers’ or public health explicitly included in the discussion of prostitution at the international level?
• Are protecting the public health and providing healthcare for sex workers at odds with each other? That is, would legitimizing prostitution through the healthcare system only stabilize the sex industry?
My individual project will include:
• Interviewing local activists
• Kate Shannon (http://www.cfenet.ubc.ca/about-us/team/shannon-k)
• Visiting rehabilitation facilities for sex workers
• Santa Maria Healing House
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