28. Stigmatized: The Case for Legalizing Sex Work

Finding Humanity

Catherine Healy confronted her roommate after learning that she was a sex worker. But instead of an intervention, Catherine’s encounter revealed an industry that she would ultimately end up fighting for — helping pass the New Zealand Prostitution Reform Act, a law that makes it legal for any citizen over 18 years old to sell sexual services.

As of 2021, 64 countries have decriminalized sex work with varying degree of regulations. However, in most parts of the world, sex work continues to be criminalized.

In this episode, we break down sex work and understand the plight of those in the industry. We unpack the differences behind the decriminalization and legalization of sex work. Does regulation of the sex work industry incentivize human trafficking or combat it? Why should we advance the rights of sex workers?

Featuring policy and advocacy insights from experts: Dame Catherine Healy, Sex Workers' Rights Activist & National Coordinator at New Zealand Prostitutes’ Collective; Stacey-Leigh Manuel, Program Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health at Open Society Foundation; and Abigail Swenstein, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society.

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Finding Humanity is a production of Humanity Lab Foundation and Hueman Group Media.

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