Should prostitution be fully legalized and regulated worldwide?

Prostitution, also referred to as sex work, is the exchange of sexual services for money or goods. Laws and cultural attitudes toward prostitution vary widely around the world—from full criminalization to partial decriminalization, legalization, or full recognition as legitimate labor. The debate over whether it should be fully legalized and regulated on a global scale requires understanding the historical, legal, and social frameworks that shape this issue. There are several models of legal treatment. Criminalization prohibits all forms of prostitution and may penalize sex workers, clients, or both. Legalization allows sex work under strict government regulation, often including health checks, zoning laws, and licensing. Decriminalization removes criminal penalties but may not involve regulation. Finally, the Nordic model criminalizes the buying—but not the selling—of sex, aiming to reduce demand while protecting workers. Historically, sex work has existed across cultures and eras, often operating informally or under state control. In modern times, some countries like Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands have adopted legalization or decriminalization frameworks, while others maintain strict bans. The legal status of prostitution often intersects with concerns about human trafficking, public health, labor rights, and gender equality. This debate also involves terms like consensual sex work, exploitation, agency, harm reduction, and stigmatization.