Thus, prostitutes are contributing to the rape culture. The starting point of any debate should be to define the key terms of the discussion so that everyone understands what is being said. The key terms of the this particular debate are 'abolition,' 'legalization,' and 'decriminalization. Actually, it is the ultimate in state control of that profession. Abolitionists call for all forms of prostitution to be considered a criminal offense and suppressed by force of law.
Legalization refers to some form of state controlled prostitution.
It often includes mandatory medical exams, special taxes, licensing, or the creation of red light districts. It always includes a government record of who is a prostitute, information which is commonly used for other government purposes. For example, some countries in Europe indicate whether a person is a prostitute on his or her passport. This restricts that person's ability to travel since many countries will automatically refuse entry on that basis. Controlling legalized prostitution usually falls to the police.