Edit to add my opinion so I’m not just replying “I agree” to 90% of comments. I think it should be legal, properly regulated, taxed and viewed as a profession. I haven’t personally engaged in it but I have no moral objection to it. I do hate the common sentiment that it was the individual’s “only option” though.
I am in complete agreement with you on all these points.
The issue is, workers ARE already being exploited. The idea is regulations would bring about safeguards that would try to prevent these scenarios.
But let’s say what you said has happened and now someone is in this situation you described. There are two scenarios:
I’d argue decriminalization of prostitution does more good than harm in this situation.