U.S. Scientists Disagree Over Prostitution-... (Press, 18 November 1985)

In November 1985, a significant scientific debate unfolded in the United States regarding the potential role of female prostitutes in the spread of A.I.D.S. within the heterosexual community. The discussion arose in light of a relatively low incidence of A.I.D.S. cases reported among heterosexual individuals to date. Many health officials and researchers, including those from New York City, argued that the fear of female prostitutes being a major conduit for the virus was unfounded. They noted the lack of evidence that A.I.D.S. is transmitted from female prostitutes to their clients, with only 16 cases attributed to sexual relations with women out of over 14,000 total A.I.D.S. cases reported in the country. Contrarily, some scientists cautioned that interaction with female prostitutes could already be contributing to some men contracting A.I.D.S., potentially leading to later infections of their wives or sexual partners. Nonetheless, no expert anticipated the spread of A.I.D.S. in heterosexuals to mirror the epidemic faced by male homosexuals and intravenous drug users in prior years. The scientific discourse centred on the efficiency of the A.I.D.S. virus spreading sexually from women to men. Dr. Stephen Schultz, the Deputy Health Commissioner for Epidemiological Services in New York City, expressed that while prostitutes pose a theoretical risk, evidence of practical transmission remains minimal. City officials were yet to correlate any A.I.D.S. cases directly to sexual relations with female prostitutes. On the contrary, other researchers highlighted cases in Africa where sexual transmission from women to men was more evident, leading to concerns that the virus could take root in the American heterosexual community before a widespread outbreak occurred. There were calls from some specialists, such as Dr. Michael Marmor, for better surveillance and testing of female prostitutes to assess the prevalence of A.I.D.S. among them, which could inform public health strategies. There was consensus on the necessity for men engaging with female prostitutes to use condoms both for their protection and that of the women, although experts emphasised that condoms may not offer complete protection against A.I.D.S. In studies conducted, some female prostitutes in cities like Miami and Seattle tested positive for A.I.D.S. antibodies, particularly among those with histories of intravenous drug use. Experts revealed the complexity of the situation, as drug addiction among female prostitutes was high, especially among streetwalkers. Despite streetwalkers being involved with drug use, the expected transmission rates to clients had not matched predictions. They pointed out that many female prostitutes had long been advocating for condom use, mitigating some potential risks. The focus of A.I.D.S. transmission discussions, according to some professionals, should remain on those most vulnerable, such as male homosexual prostitutes who had a more significant role in spreading the virus. There appeared to be a broader need for comprehensive public education about safe practices and the implications of unprotected sex with multiple partners. Overall, while there were concerns about female prostitutes and A.I.D.S., the consensus among experts indicated that male homosexuals were likely at a much greater risk for spreading the virus.

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