Conclusion
This exhibit has shown various mechanisms through which the state has controlled and regulated prostitute’s health in 19th century Paris and contemporary western countries. It has examined the mandated health checks in both 19th century Paris and the contemporary west, the health center as a locus for social control in 19th century Paris, and the confiscation of condoms for prosecutory evidence in New York City. These examples have shown that, although health related regulations are more effective now than before, with fewer cases of venereal diseases, the regulations and defacto mechanisms continue to control and regulate prostitute’s bodies and health. This inhibits prostitute’s agency and free-will when making decisions about their own bodies; instead of being able to choose how to handle their own health, they are given specific rules and regulations they must follow. This in turn simultaneously constructs and reflects cultural concerns surrounding the prostitute as a diseased body that customers, and society at large needs protection from.