Prostitutes and clients may spread sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, AIDS, herpes, etc…. Furthermore, used syringes, condoms, and other paraphernalia left on the ground from their activities are not only unsightly, but also potentially dangerous. In a study conducted by Rosenberg and Weiner, they discovered that syphilis “reflects substantially higher rates of infection amongst prostitutes than among “comparison groups” of women- those applying for health cards and premarital testing.” Not only are prostitutes at a high risk for contracting STD’s due to their sexual activities, but they are also put in danger because of other high risk behavior including intravenous drug use and the tendency to not use condoms with their husbands or boyfriends, many of whom have a similarly high risk for STD’s as they are often drug users (Rosenberg & Weiner and …show more content…
The proposed solution for reducing the rate of street prostitution in America is to focus on reducing the number of prostitutes that are out on the streets. Research has shown that drug dependence is the primary reason that women initially join and continue to remain ensnared by prostitution. By emphasizing rehabilitation and helping women find other stable sources of income, we can drastically reduce the prostitution rate as well as make positive changes in many women’s lives. However, in addition to rehabilitation we need to also focus on reducing the spread of STD’s caused by prostitution as this adversely affects public health. By making sure to educate prostitutes on STD’s and methods of prevention as well as making condoms cheaper and more accessible will help decrease the spread of