prostitute

Prostitute is a person who provides sexual services in exchange for money or goods. The term dates to early modern English; many people and organizations prefer "sex worker" as a more neutral, labor-oriented label, though usage varies by region and context. In practice, the category includes individuals who work on the street, in brothels, in licensed establishments, or via online platforms, and may cover a range of services and arrangements.

Legal status differs widely. Some jurisdictions criminalize most aspects of sex work (selling sex, buying sex, or both), others regulate or legalize it with licensing and health checks, and others have decriminalized it. Policy debates focus on public health, safety, exploitation, trafficking, and gender equality; critics warn that criminalization can heighten risks for workers, while advocates for decriminalization argue it improves safety and access to justice.

Health and safety: sex workers face risks of violence, coercion, and sexually transmitted infections. Access to voluntary health services, confidential STI testing, harm-reduction resources, and legal protection against exploitation are important. Trafficking is a related concern but distinct from voluntary sex work and varies by jurisdiction and policy framework.

Labor and social context: sex work is a form of labor that intersects with poverty, discrimination, and gender inequality in many places. Rights-based approaches seek to reduce stigma, support informed consent, and improve working conditions, while anti-trafficking and public health policies aim to address coercion and abuse.