I mean that in the sense that a prostitute needs to consent, and be able to consent, to have sex with a client, otherwise it's rape, not a business transaction.

Turns out, a large proportion, in some situations the majority, of prostitutes can't even consent. They are underage, drug addicts (often not through a conscious choice but through pimps forcing the addiction), regularly beaten and/or they often are illegal immigrants (less legal protection).

That is why I say people overestimate the "free will" involved in prostitutions. Especially in the lower end you will hardly find prostitutes with clear cut cases of "I do it for the money". In european countries often they could have a better life living on welfare.

And no, catching welfare payments is normally not more demeaning than getting essentially raped multiple times a day.