Red Light District in Amsterdam... required tests?

[Questioninggeller]

So I was reading about the Red Light District in Amsterdam and was wondering if the Netherlands government requires STD tests for the prostitutes? I've been reading conflicting reports, anyone got a link?

 

[NoZed Avenger]

Drat. I read "tests" and thought that you were recruiting volunteers for one.

 

[Earthborn]

was wondering if the Netherlands government requires STD tests for the prostitutes?

No, tests for STDs are not mandatory. But since they generally use condoms and virtually everyone has health insurance, which includes such tests, and for those people who don't have insurance (illegal immigrants primarily) there are free clinics, it is not relevant either. There is no reason not to be tested.

According to the Mr A. de Graaf Foundation website:

It is general policy in The Netherlands that prostitutes are not mandatory tested for STD or HIV. It is felt that the government is responsible to make medical check ups and treatment available, but it is the responsibility of the individual to use them. In larger cities there are special free clinics, bur many prostitutes prefer their private doctor or a specialised dermatologist.

and:

Medical examinations for STD's are voluntary; compulsory check-ups would only frighten the women and would chase way those very women whom you most preferably want to reach, namely the vulnerable ones who are hiding away from the authorities.

More info at:
Research Institute Mr. A. de Graaf Foundation.
The Prostitution Information Center Amsterdam.
As of yet unofficial sexworkers union De Rode Draad.

 

[epepke]

So I was reading about the Red Light District in Amsterdam and was wondering if the Netherlands government requires STD tests for the prostitutes? I've been reading conflicting reports, anyone got a link?

No, but when I was there in 2000 I picked up a pamphlet from the Prostitution Information Center which said that they did not.

 

[Captain_Snort]

Just the title of this thread brought back some memories.


Now, I used to be a Scout Leader, and I was helping with a group of handicapped Scouts visiting europe. So heres us, in full uniform, day in Amsterdam, and being Scottish, full uniform includes the kilt.

A small group of us got lost and found the red light area. Imagine pushing kids in wheelchairs about in an area with women in windows while wearing a kilt.

We tried to leave quickly, but the kids we were pushing kept hitting the brakes and telling us to stop so they could look.

 

[epepke]

A small group of us got lost and found the red light area. Imagine pushing kids in wheelchairs about in an area with women in windows while wearing a kilt.

Sounds kinky. I never saw any of those women wearing a kilt.

The funny thing is that the "red light district" overlaps considerably with a very old and interesting historical district.

 

[Soapy Sam]

There used to be a "Scottish Bar" on the edge of the redlight district. I got jumped near it once. Fun story. I won, but I could run faster back then.

 

[kittynh]

I've been told by "old timers" that the days of the local girl being employeed in the red light district are long gone. Instead of the buxom blond, it's the beauty from Russia or some other Eastern european area. So, does that means the local girls have other options as far as education and employment, and not as many are choosing this profession? I know that many jobs not wanted by the "natives" are being done by foreigners. I just thought the pay in the red light district would be good enough that it wouldn't be a problem finding enough women. Or are the foreigners trying to take over jobs the local girls want by offering cut rates and more to their pimps....

It's a slow Sunday....I've got too much time to think....

 

[Earthborn]

So, does that means the local girls have other options as far as education and employment,

Yes

and not as many are choosing this profession?

No. After all, one of the professions they can be educated for is prostitution. Although there is a slightly decreasing number of prostitutes, this does not explain the decline in window prostitution. Many prostitutes are instead working from 'home'. This is because working from a window is not all that profitable. Rent for a 'peeskamertje' can be up to several hundred euro a day and since these women can't ask for more than a few hundred euro per client, that they are competing eachother fiercely for clients and most people walking past their windows busloads of Japanese tourists which includes men who took their wives, you can see that it can be quite hard to get a profit in this way.

I just thought the pay in the red light district would be good enough that it wouldn't be a problem finding enough women.

Well, the pay isn't that good. Also ask yourself this question: "How much money should I be offered to have sex with a total stranger?"

If your answer is: "I'd never!" then you are not alone. In prostitution there is always trouble finding enough women (or men) wanting to do the job.