"They are misguided human beings in need of help."

I personally think that there are a percentage of prostitutes who fall into the job because they are damaged people being exploited by human sharks - but there are those who are not. I've seen very interesting interviews with fully mature, intelligent and grounded women who have chosen prostitution freely, because they enjoy the work and it pays well!

I believe the answer to weeding out the former group, is legalisation of brothels (ideally run by madams or female ex-sex workers) and proper standards implemented, where the women are tested to ensure they are free from drugs and disease.