In his book Love For Sale, Nils Johan Ringdal wrote: “If no one wants to sell sex, it is a crime to force anyone to do so. But when men or women want to sell their bodies, they should have full rights without incurring punishment or discrimination." Prostitution, often described as the world's oldest profession, is now a legitimate crime in 109 countries around the world (“Human Trafficking Statistics”). Laws on prostitution vary considerably from country to country: in some countries it is punishable by the death penalty ("Iran - Trafficking Facts"), in some it is a crime punishable by imprisonment, while in other jurisdictions it is a minor administrative crime. crime punishable only by a fine (“The Sentencing and Punishment”). Punishments are generally more severe for prostitutes and pimps than for prostitution lawyers. In the United States of America, prostitution is illegal in all 50 states except the state of Nevada. Nevada is the only U.S. state that allows legal prostitution in some of its rural counties. Occupational health and safety laws are enforced in brothels in these counties, but sex workers in other parts of the country still remain exposed to the threat of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and violence from pimps and clients. In the United States, prostitution exists in various forms: street prostitution, escort prostitution, and brothel prostitution (Harcourt). It has been estimated that the total amount of revenue generated by the illegal prostitution industry in the United States is approximately $14.6 billion (“Prostitution Revenue”), the fifth highest in the world (approximately 8% of total revenue annually worldwide). If prostitution were made legal, it would increase U...... middle of paper...... April 9, 2014."Sex work and the law in Asia and the Pacific." (2012): n. page UNDP. Network. 06 April 2014. "Rights of sex workers". NSWP.org. American Jewish World Service, July 2013. Web. April 10, 2014. “Sex Workers and HIV/AIDS.” Information and resources on HIV and AIDS. Np, nd Web. April 5, 2014."The Truth NAYked." Prostitution: the economic and criminal advantages of legalization. Np, nd Web. April 10, 2014. “The Conviction and Punishment of Prostitution.” Laws.com. Network. March 30, 2014. Weitzer, Ronald. "Prostitution: Fact and Fiction." Gwu.edu. George Washington University, 2007. Web. 08 April 2014. “UNAIDS Guidance Note on HIV and Sex Work.” Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) (2009): n. page UNAIDS. Network. April 10, 2014. "United States and State Prostitution Arrests, 2001-2010 - Prostitution - ProCon.org." ProConorg Securities. Np, nd Web. April 10. 2014.